I clenched my fists tightly, fighting the anger bubbling inside me. It took everything not to shove the trolley over and watch the cake crash to the ground. But I couldn’t let myself or Paman Jack’s name be tarnished.
After positioning the cake on the stand, the CEO of Bobby’s company took the stage. His voice boomed through the room as he congratulated Bobby and Grace for winning the biggest tender of the year. But then his next words shattered my already fragile world.
"This celebration also marks the engagement of Bobby and Grace!"
Cheers erupted, filling the room. Grace feigned shyness, while Bobby, ever the charmer, playfully tapped her nose. Grace giggled before throwing her arms around him.
"C’mon! Kiss! Kiss!" the crowd chanted.
Under their encouragement, Bobby and Grace shared a deep kiss right before my eyes.
I froze. The air seemed to leave my lungs. Everyone knew Bobby’s status—they knew I was his wife. Yet no one cared. For the first time, it hit me just how far apart Bobby and I really were. He thrived in this glittering world, while I was nothing more than a caterer in an apron. But it was me—me—who had stood by him through everything.
Paman Jack approached me, his comforting hand resting on my shoulder. "Do whatever you need to feel better, Irish. Don’t worry about me."
His words lit something in me. Gripping the cake knife like it was a weapon, I marched toward the altar. Every step silenced the crowd. The knife in my hand felt like a samurai’s blade, poised to cut through everything standing in my way.
When I reached the cake, I sliced it into rough pieces with deliberate intensity, not caring about ruining its pristine appearance. I picked up a large slice and smeared it across Bobby’s face.
"Congratulations on your engagement!" I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. Then, I turned to Grace and did the same, smearing another slice across her flawless makeup.
The room fell into a shocked silence. The sound of the knife clattering to the floor echoed sharply, breaking the stillness. Without another word, I turned and walked away, head held high. Behind me, my fellow caterers followed suit, leaving the party in solidarity.
Back at the restaurant, my friends enveloped me in a warm hug. Their comfort unraveled the tight knot of emotions inside me, and I broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. My chest ached, as though my grief had seeped into my very bones.