Chapter 120 Newly Weds Dance

Alicia Davenport “Thank you so much,” I said as I shook their hands, forcing the best smile I could muster while the photographer snapped another round of pictures. My cheeks were already sore from pretending everything was fine. The guests congratulated us one by one, their faces glowing with cheer and warmth. But to me, everything felt… distant. Like I was watching a movie I didn’t audition for. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught my mother sniffling. I turned toward her and immediately saw a single tear trail down her cheek. Her makeup artist would have a fit if she saw that. “Mom, why are you crying?” I asked, a little concerned but mostly tired. She waved her hand in the air with a soft laugh, clearly trying to dismiss the emotion. “Oh, it’s nothing, dear. I just… I can’t believe you are now married.” Not this again. I took a breath, trying not to let my frustration show. “Mom, I’m still living in LA, don’t worry about it,” I said gently. “If you miss me, just call, and I