“Mmm…” Hailey inhales—probably centuries-old sawdust, but that won’t make a lick of difference. “Go on.”
Ebony seems all too happy to oblige. “We’ve just come indoors after an intimate courtyard ceremony where you and Donovan exchanged vows on a beautifully manicured lawn.”Genius.“You’ve captured the sunset photos to prove it, and now, with cocktail hour wrapped, your loved ones are eagerly awaiting a phenomenal culinary experience.”
Hailey swoons, and I have to bite my tongue to hold back a laugh.
“They walk into a majestic ballroom where a few dozen white-clothed ten-seater tables are scattered around the gleaming wooden dance floor. At the heart of each table, towering vases overflow with white roses and rich red zinnias. Or maybe dahlias.” She flashes a conflicted smile, like she’s still debating. “The Baccarat crystal chandelier, timeless furnishings, an air of natural elegance—”
PING!
My phone yanks us out of the vision.
“Ugh, sorry. I need to take this. Please continue.” I slip my hand in my pocket and hurry out the door to the terrace, praying it’s my project manager, Manny, or one of my guys calling to explain why the entire crew is still MIA. Or even Vincent, who was supposed to be here with the interior design plans.
When I make it out to the hearth room patio, I check my screen and let out a heavy sigh.
The message isn’t from them.
Dom
Your girl…
Website:The Divorcétante Chronicles onPopShot: “High society to high jinks—Pre-Adventures of aPost-Divorce Diva. #TheNextChapter
The next chapter?
Confused, I tap on the text. The message opens to a preview link with a full image of Ebony’s face. Sporting the new pixie cut, red-lipped Ebony is…Sitting in hercar?Is this today?But again, the handle isn’t Ebony Grace Livingston; it’sThe Divorcétante Chronicles…
“What in the hell is a divorcétante?”
I lower my volume, letting my finger hover over the link, unsure what to expect once the PopShot app opens.
Then I tap it.
“Hey, and welcome! It’s your girl Ebony. Some of you might know me from my event-planning company, Ebony Grace Events, where I curate premier weddings and celebrations. Others might recognize me as a member of Ellswood’s Zion & Zara chapter. And then there are those who know me from that viral episode ofThe Morning Tea. Yeah, the one where my ex-husband ended up in a, let’s say…compromising situation.”
She laughs.
“Whether you know it or not, you’re here for part one of my new series that I’m calling…”
She pauses, briefly reaching out of shot before returning with a sparkly tiara in hand. Then she looks directly at us.
“…The Divorcétante Chronicles. And what’s that, you ask? It’s me—part debutante, part divorcée, all hiccups. All real. All the pomp and ceremony as I tell my side of the story. I’m living the married-single life, and yes, I’m even being villainized as a cheating victim. Because, let’s face it, you’ve already heard the version from the ‘Luxe’ team.”
Ebony throws up air quotes, and it doesn’t take a mind reader to know she’s referring to the hashtag #TeamNora.
“The reason I know that’s why you’re here is because some of you have taken my picture as I enter office buildings for business and personal appointments. One such person was so bold, she snapped a photo dead in my face. Shoutout to Syd, the multitasker, who somehow managed to violate my privacyandhelp me pick out an amazing gratitude journal.
“You want my reaction so bad.
“You want the scandal.
“You want the shock value, the trending, viral smear-campaign drama.
“And guess what?
“I’m going to give it to you, because I’m still here. They thought I was down for good, but I’m reclaiming Ebony Grace, daring to reinvent myself outside of my ex’s family dynasty.
“As a divorcée—just like I trained as a debutante—this will be my reintroduction into society, but on my terms this time.
