BEFORE THE FIRST DANCE

< Althair Starlight Hotel

UTC+2 0618 PM

Festive Hall, Lobby >

Angel made her way through the tables until she found her nameplate. The two neighboring seats were empty still, one reserved for a Mister Alexander Knight and the other for a Miss Valentina Greene. The others were unfortunately already filled, and some faces did feel familiar.

With a sigh, Angel sat down, but the hoped-for peace was disturbed all too quickly.

"You did come!" A woman announced in a surprised, loudspeaker voice.

"Evidently," Angel commented.

"Why?"

"Free food," she said sarcastically.

"Who is she?" The older, well-fed men to her side asked.

"Oh, right. You haven't met her yet. She's Angelica, the one I told you about." She noticed Angel's raised eyebrow and quickly added, "the other friend from university. Angelica, this is my husband, Michael. He owns the Pigmalion Group; I'm sure you've heard about them."

"Not once."

"We have one child, he's four years old right now. Have you gotten married?"

"I have enough money to support myself or adapt a child should I want one. What else would I get married for?"

"Love?"

Angel laughed out loud. "Well, that can't possibly be the reason for your marriage. But a rich fish is not an entirely bad catch, either." She lifted her glass in the direction of the old and obese husband whose face had started to resemble a squashed tomato.

"Angelica!" The woman said. But before she could continue with anything else, the official loudspeakers turned on and a male voice said, "Testing, testing!"

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome! I'm here as a replacement for our host who had a few too many, but I'm sure some will come to join his state later on tonight!" A few growls. "May I ask everyone to return to their respective seats? You should all have had sufficient time to locate your name tags around one of our lovely decorated tables, yes. If you have trouble, go ahead and ask one of the hotel staff around who are more than happy to help." Slowly, the guests sat down and directed their attention to the front where a guy with big glasses had taken the stage and grinned. "Lovely. A short overview of what you can expect in the course of this evening. I won't take away all the surprises, but a sneak peek is I think well deserved. In just a few seconds, we will have the honor to welcome the main stars of this show: the great groom and his lovely and beautiful bride. After the official ceremony, don't worry we'll keep it short and sweet, the first dance followed by the opening of the evening banquet will delight our eyes and taste buds! I've been told we're having some fancy sashimi imported to match the taste of our lovely bride, and sweet matcha tea for those wanting a bit more exotic experience! Our evening program will commerce and give space for some of you guests to take the stage and give your good wishes to the new pair, a few games, and many drinks will bring this evening to its official last point: the grand exit of the happy pair and their official start into their honeymoon! No worries, drinks will continue being offered until the early morning hours so we all have the chance to pull the same stunt our previous MC did! And for those who do want to take up this chance, just remember, rooms are close by. Going up the stairs and you should be able to locate a few. Now then, all preparations are completed! Let's get ready to welcome the happy pair! And everyone, please enjoy the celebrations!"