Chapter 23

It was 6 in the evening. Felipe and Layla had spent most of their day acting as a happy couple in love, accepting congratulatory gifts hugs etc. Layla was pretty convincing except for an incident where Felipe jabbed at her with his elbow for her to stop yawning and she retaliated by stomping on his foot with her heel. But thankfully the incident was too insignificant for the guests to pay much attention to.

“I’m tired. How long do we have to stay?” Layla asked under her breath. “My feet hurt, and I’m hungry, I wanna goooo.” She said pleading.

“Sit straight and stop making that face. We’ll go in a few minutes.” Felipe said holding his fake wide smile and nodding to one of the guests holding his wine glass to toast to them.

“You said that half an hour ago.” Layla said pouting.

“Stop whining and raise the damn glass.” Felipe said nudging her arm.

Layla glanced at the guy who was still waiting for her to raise her glass. This guy did not seem to give up, she grabbed her glass while staring down the guy with a bitch resting face, brought her glass upward broke her poker face for a split second with a fake smile, then placed her glass down without drinking form it.

Hector who was keeping an eye on them from s a few feet away rushed to Layla’s side “what do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m not doing anything.” Layla said dismissively.

“You just insulted your guests.” Hector said with an angry undertone.

“Your guests.” Layla corrected him.

“Not really, now they are your guests too Mrs. Calles.” Hector said gesturing to the ring which now was placed on Layla’s finger.

Layla narrowed her eyes at Hector, “well MY guests can all go fuc-” Debora suddenly appeared out of nowhere, “hey Debby. Where have you been? You’ve been working all day, why don't you take a break and join us?” Layla immediately changed her aggressive tone to a sweet and loving one, with a warm smile.

“Oh thank you Mrs. Calles, but-” Debora was saying but was interrupted .

“No. I already told you, call me Layla.” Layla said.

“She works for us, that doesn't seem appropriate.” Felipe scolded Layla.

“Well my love, it wasn't appropriate when you married me after such a short time either , I mean you couldn't even wait for your family to join us for our special day. So I’m sure you know sometimes the heart wants what it wants even if it’s not considered… how did you put it? Oh yeah appropriate.” Layla reached and held Felipe’s hand while squeezing it as hard as she could. Her face was still smiling but her eyes held a threatening look.

Felipe raised an eyebrow at her, then forced a smile, “of course dear. However you wish my world.”

Layla made a fake chuckling sound, “oh my universe. How generous you are.”

“You too lovebirds try to keep your hands off of each other for now.” Hector interjected with a nervous laugh. “Miss Jones you were saying?”

Debora took her admiring eyes off of Layla and Felipe and gathered herself. “Oh, sorry. I came to tell you the cake is ready . Should we bring it out for you?”

“YES.” Layla said excitedly. She took a look around to the people who were now staring at them. “Sorry. I’m just a bit hungry.” She said toward Debora with a sheepish smile. Then turned to Felipe and continued “of course, I also can’t wait to finally be alone with my love.” Then she put her head uncomfortably on Felipe’s arm.

“Yes, me too. Let’s bring the cake out.” Felipe said shaking his head in agreement, and awkwardly patted Layla who’s head was still resting on his shoulder.

Debora responded “I’ll tell them right away.” And walked out to the hotel’s kitchen.

Hotel’s upper levels were not completely done yet, but the ground floor was all done, so Hector chose there for the wedding reception. It was easier to guard here, and could fit 500 guests easily. All the furniture were carried out and replaced with tables and chairs. A platform was brought in to place a more privet table for Felipe and his new bride. The whole room was filled with candles, flowers, twinkling lights, ice sculptures, chocolate fountain, and golden statues. If one of them actually gave a shit about the wedding it would have been an impressive event, but this was just a rehearsal. The real show would be in about a month or so. When everyone would be here for the big opening. And they all need to nail their performance, because one small mistake could cost them their lives.