All the Lies - Charlotte Byrd Page 0,24

people really knew me, then there would be no reason for the speech. Since they don't, then what's the point? My dad has always been good at speeches. He's not so good with the one-on-one, but he knows how to woo a crowd and how to make people laugh.

It's a skill that I lack, but luckily the fact that I'm a woman lets me off the hook for the most part.

My dad’s speech is followed by Alex's dad’s speech, which is similarly distant yet fun and inviting. His dad has years of experience buttering up investors and proves to be almost as charming as mine.

The words that our fathers say are powerful and kind and yet they make me feel like such a fraud. I know that they probably don't mean the things that they say, but I believe them anyway and it makes me feel like I'm the one who is lying to all of our guests.

When Alex's dad stops talking and hangs up the mic, I finally let out a sigh of relief. I take a sip of champagne and raise it a bit higher as a final acknowledgement of this engagement. I’ve had enough and I can’t wait to go home in my own car.

But Alex stops me. He clears his throat, raises his glass, and asks for a few minutes of everyone's time.

“I just want everyone here to know,” he begins, “that I don't deserve this woman who is standing by my side. I never did and I hope that I can go through my life making choices that will finally lead me to her.

“I have made a lot of mistakes, most of which I will hopefully take to the grave, but she is well aware of them and she has found it in her soul to forgive me. I never expected that and she deserves a lot better than me, but I appreciate it.

“I just want to tell you in front of all of these people that I love you more than you will ever know. Thank you so much for giving me a second chance, and then a third chance and then a fourth chance.

“Mainly, I just want to say thank you for forgiving my flaws and my mistakes. Thank you for sticking by me no matter what. I will spend the rest of my days trying to be the husband that you deserve.”

The room explodes in applause and I freeze unable to move. I don't know what to say or do.

I just glare at Alex and hate him with all of my might.

How dare he say this to me?

How dare he dance around something that is so personal and intimate?

How dare he tell all these people half a truth and then leave me hanging to answer for the rest?

I swallow hard and the crowd cheers louder and louder. Then suddenly, they calm down and expect me to say something in return.

This is my chance.

This is my opportunity to tell everyone that the wedding is off because my fiancé has cheated on me with his boss.

I take the microphone and clear my throat. I can count the number of speeches that I have made on one hand and most of those were work requirements and debate class.

My whole body starts to shake.

My mouth runs dry.

I take another sip of my champagne, but the tanginess makes my taste buds dry up.

“The ball is in your court,” Alex whispers under his breath, just loud enough for me to hear.

I look out into the audience.

My eyes scan over my mom, my dad, Lindsey, and Brooke. My aunts and uncles are here and then somewhere in the middle of the group, I see him.

It's Liam. He's standing there and there is space all around him. Suddenly everyone else in the room disappears and it’s just him and me.

He's one of the few people here who know the truth.

I look at him for guidance, pleading with my eyes.

What should I do?

What should I say?

He gives me a slight nod. It's followed by a smile. Suddenly, my chest tightens as I open my mouth.

“Thank you all for being here,” I say and the microphone makes a grotesque sound that sends shivers down my spine. “Thank you all for traveling such great distances and taking time out of your day and out of your life to celebrate us.”

I keep my voice low and the mic a little too far. When I bring it a little bit closer, it echoes again, overwhelming