Nada, she was the one who took the blame for Suri’s extraordinary behavior and Shiloh’s sometimes selfish decisions.
With a huff, he whirled away, heading for the dais to address his guests.
‘We are here today to celebrate the union between our family and that of our esteemed guests,’ he announced, his voice carrying through the hall with authority. ‘Let us put aside grievances and focus on the bonds that unite us.’
He added an excuse for Mak’s absence, which the party accepted, albeit with some confusion.
His welcome speech ended, and everyone moved away from the podium, some advancing to greet Saba and others toward the banquet table.
She released a breath, which she’d held since he started speaking, as the tension in the room dissipated somewhat.
She conducted the formal, traditional greetings, acknowledging that she was now the most important person in the room.
Which made most of the congratulations from many who’d looked down on her in the past, stilted, ceremonial, stiff, and awkward.
The majority of Akkadians in the room were a pompous lot of monstrous women and magnificent windbags who name-dropped, fluttered, and sighed their way through parties.
The so-called crème de la crème of their community were, at their core, sycophants who jostled for favor and boasted of wealth.
She had little in common with them and missed Shiloh, for they’d often taken turns mocking their arrogance and entitlement.
Oh, for a fokkin’ return to the old times,she sighed.
Many long minutes later, with two aching palms and wrists, she sliced her eyes to Koda.
He got the memo and raised a hand, stopping the greeting line to lead her to the head banquet table.
Her eyes traveled through the room, searching for a familiar face, hoping for a source of support in the sea of judging and curious gazes.
Amid the throng of well-dressed guests and glittering chandeliers, she spotted Aveline. She hadn’t seen or spoken to her after the wedding.
Without a second thought, she broke off from Koda’s lead, navigating through the maze of guests who stared and whispered as she wound her way through them.
As she drew closer, Aveline reached and wrapped her hands around Saba, her expression soft yet resolute.
‘Honey, I’m your freakin’ escape,’ Aveline murmured. ‘Use me.’
Tears pricked Saba’s eyes.
Her friend’s words were like a lifeline in the storm that threatened to overwhelm her. They grounded her in the knowledge that she had an ally in this sea of hostility. She gripped her hand, drawing strength from her unwavering support.
‘Sante, love,’ Saba whispered, choking with emotion. ‘Your presence means more to me than you can imagine.’
‘Your uncle making trouble for you?’ Aveline asked.
‘When is he not? But I have it handled. I think. Can we talk?’ Saba asked, gesturing towards a secluded nook hidden behind a curtain of trailing ivy.
Aveline nodded.
Saba turned to Koda, who was shadowing her. ‘Please see to it no one disturbs us.’
He bowed without a word, and the two women slipped away from the prying eyes and disapproving glances.
Seeking refuge in the quiet sanctuary that offered solace amid the chaos of the celebration.
As they settled into the plush cushions arranged in the alcove, Aveline twisted to Saba, eyes wide. ‘Woman, we have not spoken since the reception. Where is Shiloh, and what freakin’ happened after that night?’
Saba gazed at her, holding her hand tight as she took a moment to gather her thoughts. ‘It’s a long story, hon,’ she beganwith a whisper, ‘but it all started the day Shiloh told me she was pregnant.’
