Side Characters in a Nutshell

a not-your-usual wedding

Marley had always dreamed of being a wedding planner. Even if she herself had no intention of having a romantic relationship or anything similar, she loved seeing couples spend the most important moment of their life in utter bliss, at a wedding made so perfect that even the aunties couldn't complain.

She loved her job. Most of the time.

The woman before her was slipping her wedding dress on for the last check before the ceremony, but instead of looking near tears with happiness, her eyes shone with such sorrow that Marley's chest tightened.

The moment her future husband entered the dress shop her whole demeanor changed so abruptly that Marley could almost see a visible image of a mask slipping in it's place. Her smile was strained, but judging by the man's smitten expression, he didn't notice it in the slightest.

After months of working with the couple, she picked up some of the rumours she probably shouldn't have heard.

The marriage was arranged even before the girl uttered her first word, one of the women in the catering crew whispered to the musicians, poor girl, what an awful family she's marrying into! She's expected to be pregnant by the end of the year, imagine! As if she's a doll.

Even if Marley didn't want to believe such things, it made a lot of sense once the puzzle pieced itself. It was clear that the groom loved his bride; he tended to her every need at the point it was almost insufferable, even for Marley. But the spark Marley was used to seeing in her clients wasn't there.

However, her job was clear, and the payment was good. Both of the families were rich, the groom's a tad bit richer, so it was bound to be an especially extravagant event.

It didn't settle the unease she felt.

                        ________________

Two days before the wedding, there was a bachelorette party taking place. The women that accompanied the bride were prideful, full of gossip and just overall annoying. Whose company is falling apart, who is cheating on whom, the random woman in the grocery store that didn't have an ounce of fashion - all in all, Marley wanted to throw herself out of the limousine, and maybe if that didn't finish her, walk straight into a bus.

It was not unusual for her to attend bachelorette parties, but it was obvious that Eve, the bride, needed her for her own sanity. It was clear that none of this women were her friends, if the looks of resentment and jealousy sent her way were any indicator.

She wanted to be anywhere but here, but the bride was a bright, kind, beautiful woman, and she would feel guilty if she left her alone with those snakes.

As soon as they stepped in front of the restaurant, Marley's eyes caught on a mesmerising woman on the sidewalk. She wore a white suit, white heels and a blood red lipstick, and she seemed like a goddess descended upon Earth. Her clothes looked tailored and her stance was powerful.

Her eyes, however, were solely focused on the bride, and the look in her eyes was unreadable.

"Eve."

The bride turned around and inhaled in shock, her eyes widening and her mouth opening in surprise.

"Anna...?"

"Oh my God, is that really her? That ratty best friend of Eve's? What's she doing here? Did she marry a wealthy man to become that rich? What a gold digger," the women whispered to themselves, trying and failing to be inconspicuous. One deadly look from Anna and they all shut their mouth closed.