Everybody has secrets

Constance barged into the upscale bridal boutique, eyes narrowing as she found Lydia mid-fitting with a consultant pinning a sumptuous gown. "Leave us," she commanded imperiously without preamble.

The poor consultant didn't need to be told twice, quickly scurrying from the room like a frightened mouse. Lydia turned to face her future mother-in-law uncertainly.

"Mom? Is something wrong?" She could tell by Constance's thunderous expression that she was livid about something.

Constance sneered, advancing on Lydia in a predatory manner. "It was your idea, wasn't it?"

Lydia blinked owlishly. "I'm sorry, what was my idea?"

"Don't play dumb with me!" Constance's voice turned shrill as she closed what little distance remained between them. "Now you're going to pretend ignorance?"

Lydia shrank back, thoroughly bewildered. "Mom, clearly you're upset about something that's happened. Why don't you take a breath and explain it to me?"