A life of lies

Riley

“Seriously? That's impossible! We'll be late if we take that route!” I tried sounding convincing, but the mind of the man at the end of the line was made up.

“Miss Caterer, this is a surprise cake for a low-key wedding ceremony. The bride and groom mustn't be aware of this. We need you to take that route as it is the only way the groom's guards are not stationed.” Eric explained with a grimace tone, and I immediately knew it was better to just agree with his conditions.

“Fine, I will be there in about twenty minutes. Thank you.” I cut off the call and sighed heavily. Taking that route will cost me half of my earnings, and currently, I don't have much with me. At first, I wanted to reject the catering offer, but I knew it was a bad idea. This was the first contract I had gotten in months, and losing it meant I would have to explain to Lucien why I didn't have enough money to settle the house rent.

“Not again,” I murmured under my breath and collapsed on the nearest chair. My phone beeped, and I picked it up excitedly. I scrolled through my inbox hoping Lucien had replied to my messages, but it was blank. The message that entered was from the delivery van, he would soon reach my shop.

This wasn't the first time Lucien would ignore my messages, but I still haven't gotten used to it. I knew Lucien had no feelings for you. Never have and never might. But I was trying my best. To Lucien, it was all about my money, and the connections my estranged family had.

I had to work my ass off every single day to pay Lucien's house rent. I was even the one paying the school fees and medical bills. It wasn't easy, but this was the first person who took an interest in me and agreed to date me. I had been a laughingstock in the community because I had no friends or family. I wasn't ready to lose Lucien, and I was willing to do whatever it took.

My doorbell rang, jerking me from my thoughts. “This is the delivery agent, Miss Riley,” the man at the door called out impatiently.

I quickly stood up and ran to my fridge. The cake was ready and had been decorated. It wasn't something big, since they had paid a little amount for it. Eric knew how desperate I was, and he took advantage of that by paying me little in comparison to what the other caterers were collecting.

I carefully carried out the cake, placed it into a beautiful box, and opened the door.

“Good morning, mister,” a broad smile was plastered on my face. The delivery agent had a grimace look as he regarded me with disdain. He didn't reply at first but later scoffed.

“Are we going or what?” He asked, looking at me with a smug. I heard him murmur faggot under his breath, but I acted oblivious.

The smile on my face didn't disappear, and I stretched out the cake box to him. “The address is-”

“Wait. Hold it! What address are you talking about? Aren't we going together?” A deep frown settled on the delivery agent's face.

This was the first time a driver would ask me to come with him, so I was confused. Normally, they would be scared of being seen with me because it could affect their business.

“Are you sure you want me to come with you?” I asked with arched brows, wondering if my hearing senses were playing pranks with me.

The agent looked like he would puke if he stayed in my front for another second, and he shook his head in disgust. “Meet me in the car!” He deadpanned and turned to leave. “Also, hurry! I was begged to help you with the delivery!” He muttered under his breath and left.

I felt starstruck, and I couldn't move. I know you might be wondering why I didn't change the delivery agent to someone nicer. Well, the truth is no delivery company was willing to offer me their service. I was an outcast, an abomination to them. And knowing that my powerful family had disowned me was enough to make them distance themselves from me.

“Today must be my lucky day!” I reasoned, and my smile broadened. I quickly locked my door and entered his car.

The ride was awkward, and the delivery agent kept looking at me strangely, shaking his head pitifully.

I didn't bother to reply to him, as I was already used to that kind of treatment.

I spent my time checking my inbox and Gmail, wondering if Lucien had replied to me. Unfortunately, there was no message.

The van entered a beautiful estate, welcoming us to the wedding venue. A lot of expensive cars were parked outside the venue, but only a few people were roaming around the environment. It looked like the wedding had started a long time ago.

“Well, we are here!” The delivery agent announced in a whisper, and I smiled in appreciation. I had the urge to ask for his name, but I decided it was better to keep quiet.

“Thank you very much. I have sent the fee,” I informed him as I came down from the van.

“Oh no, you shouldn't have! We don't collect money from the likes of you!” He exclaimed, and the disgusted look returned to his face.

“The likes of me?” I muttered as I made my way to the venue door. I understood what he said perfectly. Although I had made a promise to myself that I would never get angry at those types of comments, I couldn't control the hiss that came out of my lips.

Eric was waiting for me by the door, and beside him stood Lucy, Lucien's younger sister. I was genuinely surprised to see her, and I smiled, thinking she would assist me with Lucien's location.

“Lucy, such a pleasant surprise!” I greeted them happily. Lucy was shocked to see me, and she turned to look at Eric.

“What in the world is wrong with you? How could you order the cake from Riley, of all people!?” Lucy asked Eric with an angry tone.

“Hers was the cheapest. Also, she makes the best cake,” Eric replied with a remorseful voice.

I didn't know if I should be happy that he complimented me, or if I should be sad that my soon-to-be sister-in-law felt uncomfortable by my presence. Nonetheless, I smiled at them. “Lucy, have you heard from Lucien? It's been a while since we spoke.”

Lucy looked worried at first but masked it with a mischievous grin. She nudged at Eric, who quickly collected the cake from me.

“Come with me, Riley. Lucien is inside the venue,” She said with a sweet voice.

I was surprised at her offer. She seemed so uncomfortable earlier, but now she suddenly wants me to come along with her. It must really be my lucky day.” I thought and chuckled to myself.

Eric looked at me with a sympathetic gaze, before leaving with the cake.

I entered with a smile on my face. Lucy had a menacing smirk on her lips, but I paid no attention to her because my mind was consumed with the thought of seeing my lover.

The bishop at the altar was holding two rings, and he gave one to the groom, while he gave the other one to…. Lucien?

Lucy must have heard my thoughts and she looked proud of her sister. “I guess Lucien forgot to tell you she was getting married to a wealthy man, your brother,” she said, emphasizing ‘your brother.’

I couldn't believe my eyes. The thought of my girlfriend getting married to my proud brother was too much for me to take in, and I looked at them, wondering if I was imagining things.

After taking their vows and exchanging rings, Lucien finally noticed me, and she had a mischievous smile on her face. My brother also saw me, and to prove a stupid point, he pulled Lucien closer to him, wrapped his arms around her butt, and claimed her lips.

The guests jubilated happily, and from the corner of my teary eyes, I could see my mother and father looking at me with a menacing smile, happy that they'd won.

“Oh look! The latest couples are coming towards us!” Lucy exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

At this point, I realized I wouldn't allow my parents to laugh at me again. I wasn't going to give my brother the satisfaction he was looking for. And I wasn't going to be that desperate puppy, who was always searching for her girlfriend's attention. I cleaned my tears and arranged my dress properly. My head was raised high, ready to reply to their insult.

“Oh my! Look who the food drove in, it's my big sister… I mean ex-sister,” Daniel, my brother said with a loud voice, purposefully calling the guests’ attention to me. All eyes were on me, and Lucien wrapped her arms around Daniel's neck.

“Oh baby, you might make her cry! She is a faggot, and an orphan. Saying something like that might hurt her,” Lucien cried out with a fake emotional voice and burst into tears.

I looked her deep in the eyes, a part of me was hoping that this was all a dream, but I knew it was reality. Lucien was never in love with me because she belonged with my brother.

I faked a smile and cooked up something in my head. “Brother, since we are both here. I would like to introduce you to my-” I quickly observed my surroundings, and my eyes landed on a handsome man who was about to leave. “...My boyfriend! This is my boyfriend, I mean fiance!” I lied in-between gritted teeth, and gently pulled the man to my side. He looked confused and wanted to leave, but I hurriedly kissed him. “Baby, why are you in a hurry? Meet my brother, I mean ex-brother,” I said to the confused man with a smile on my face.

My brother and Lucien looked shocked. My parents and those who knew me also looked surprised.

“Aren't you a lesbian?” Lucy asked with furrowed brows, and the guest nodded in agreement.

I shook my head and bit my lips seductively. “I'm bisexual, guys, and currently, I am in love with this gentleman,” I wrapped my hands around the man's face, and although he was still surprised, he played along and kissed me.

“It's nice to meet you. I am Alexander Casanova Hamilton-Rodriguez, son of Lawyer Elizabeth Hamilton, and CEO Milton Rodriguez,” the gentleman introduced himself and stretched out his hands to my brother.

The room turned silent, and everyone looked at Alexander in shock. I was also surprised by his introduction, and I couldn't believe I was standing next to the second-richest man in the country.