My sister threw red wine across my dress uniform and told me I didn’t belong in that ballroom, my father told security to take me out before I embarrassed his future son-in-law, and I looked at the stain running over my ribbons, checked the countdown on my watch, and said, “You’re right. I don’t,” because in sixty seconds the room was about to learn why I had really come

The words landed with enough weight to make Jessica roll her eyes and mutter that I was being exhausting. Russell folded his arms and told me to pick up my dignity and walk out before things got worse.

I ignored his command because he was no longer the person I was focused on in this room. Twenty five seconds were left and the guests were no longer pretending to enjoy the party as they sensed a major shift was coming.

Preston made the mistake of checking the time on my watch which was a clear sign that he was starting to feel behind. What exactly are we waiting for, he asked with a sharper tone that betrayed his growing nervousness.

Fifteen seconds remained as Jessica pulled out her phone and angled the camera toward me to capture the stain on my uniform. Say something for the camera so I can give the people online a good clip of this disaster, she mocked.

Ten seconds were left and the sound of the ticking felt louder as everyone in the ballroom stopped talking. When the countdown hit five, Preston glanced toward the entrance of the ballroom with a sudden look of unease.