Chapter 8 Lexie #3
“And we couldn’t be more thrilled that you’ve chosen Shades of White to help plan your special day.
If you don’t mind me saying, you two make such a beautiful couple.
I can’t wait to see the look in Theo’s eyes when he sees you walking down the aisle.
” I try to remember all the times I’ve watched Sydney handle moments like this, but in my eagerness to learn more about Theo and Annabelle’s relationship, I might have pushed too hard.
Annabelle doesn’t respond or soften at my words like I’d hoped—if anything, she seems more withdrawn.
Crap. “I’m sorry if I overstepped or misread the situation.
I just wanted to reassure you that it’s completely normal to feel nervous or unsure about wedding planning.
But that’s why I’m here, to help you through it, step by step.
And you’ll have Theo right by your side.
I mean, he’s contractually bound to be there, after all.
” I laugh to avoid any more awkwardness.
Her gaze flicks to the floor ever so quickly but there it is again.
I catch it in her forced grin, in the way her eyes go distant, in the way she’s nervously twisting that ring.
Then, as if on cue, she snaps her head up and smiles brightly.
“He is, isn’t he?! I’m so lucky we get to spend the rest of our lives together.
” Her voice is cheerful, and she lights up when talking about Theo.
But the way she chews on her bottom lip and hesitates before speaking next betrays her ease.
“It’s one thing to talk about the wedding, but actually making decisions makes it feel so real.
I think I’ve been getting in my head. Ignore me—I’m probably just dealing with some irrational cold feet, which I hear is pretty common for brides, right? ”
Her question makes me pause. In my experience at Shades of White, cold feet can surface at different points in the planning process, but I’ve never seen it happen this early.
It might be cold feet—or it might be something more.
The difference is, I know Theo. Or at least, I knew him back then.
And this leopard never changes its spots.
Maybe Annabelle’s instincts are screaming at her to run, but she’s been with Theo for a long time and it’s hard to break free.
Maybe I can help her save herself.
“People talk a lot about cold feet. But I think it’s important to listen to your gut when something genuinely feels off.
That can often be a sign,” I say as gently as I can.
“Nerves, excitement, even anxiety are normal. But hesitation this early on can sometimes point to something deeper—and it’s worth taking the time to understand why. ”
The room is silent as a long moment passes. I wish I could better understand the thoughts behind those eyes.
She runs her palm across the top of the invitation binder. “Have you ever had cold feet?”
Her voice is hesitant, and she’s looking at the cover, not me. I’ve never had the urge to hug a client like I do now. I want to comfort her, tell her to run, tell her she’s too good for him. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a relationship even serious enough to warrant cold feet.”
It’s the truth, and it’s all I can offer.
She flips open the binder and scans the page. “I sure hope you find someone special,” she says, tucking a long piece of dark hair behind her ear. “He’d be winning the jackpot with you.”
My heart pinches. This woman is way too good for someone like Theo.
She clearly fell like so many others into his charming facade and has no idea what lies underneath that pretty-boy smile.
Is he after her money? Do they have a solid prenup?
I wish I could scream to her that Theo’s a liar.
That he’s dark and evil, and just because she hasn’t seen it yet, she will.
But you can’t just come out and say something like that.
I’d get fired from the account, fired from my job, and she wouldn’t leave him anyway.
The door opens and both Annabelle and I glance up.
“Hey, you ready to go?” Theo says to Annabelle as he tucks his phone into his pocket. “I’ve got that physicians meeting tonight I’ve got to get to.”
She pushes herself back from the table. “Yep.” She slings her bag over her shoulder. “I promise we’ll get back to you by the end of the week with a rough headcount. Anything else we need to do before then?”
I close the binder, deliberately avoiding Theo’s gaze.
“Please make sure to discuss alternate options—and consider a destination wedding more seriously if our top city venues don’t pan out.
” They won’t. If a venue is still available at this point, there’s a reason.
“We’ll need a decision on the invitations by Valentine’s Day.
Beyond that, I’ll send over some high-level themes and color schemes.
” I offer a polite smile. “And of course, call anytime. I’m here for whatever you need. ”
I’m here for Annabelle. Not Theo.
Annabelle reaches over and gives me a hug.
This is not uncommon in our business, but something in me shifts and turns urgent.
She’s warm, kind, and clearly clueless about the man she’s about to marry.
She doesn’t see the real Theo—the serpent disguised as a seraph.
I’ve thought about nothing else for nearly two weeks, but now it’s confirmed.
I don’t want to hurt Annabelle, but I will absolutely go through with my plan to take down Theo and expose him for who he really is. And after I do, and the pain subsides, she’ll thank me.
And Theo will be ruined.