Chapter 119 Reception

Nicholas Andrieux “Mr. Nicholas Andrieux is no longer single,” Tyler teased, nudging me in the ribs with his elbow. I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “Very funny, guys.” “Oh, come on, man. You are married now. Shouldn’t you be happy?” Yeah… if Alicia actually decided to forgive me and stop hating me, then maybe I could consider being happy. Instead, she barely looked at me during the entire ceremony. Every smile she gave felt forced, every gesture calculated for the sake of the guests and photographers. I could see the stiffness in her posture even when our hands brushed accidentally. She flinched. It was subtle, but I felt it. Tyler slapped my back, totally unaware of the storm in my head. “Well, congratulations, man. I’m gonna go mingle. Just saw a beautiful woman over there. Adios.” He walked off, leaving me at the bar, alone. I stared into the amber liquid in my glass for a second before downing it all in one gulp. The burn wasn’t enough to drown the thoughts swimming in