As the clinking of glasses echoed through the room, I watched Caroline closely. The moment was surreal, time stretching as her painted lips touched the rim of the glass. Part of me hoped she’d spill the champagne, that her plan would be foiled by clumsy hands. But she sipped with practiced grace, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly as the liquid passed her lips.
The toast proceeded, a symphony of well-wishes and laughter filling the air. Dylan looked over at me, his expression one of pure joy. I forced a smile, my mind racing. What had Caroline intended? What had she dropped into my champagne?
Caroline’s sip was small, but even a little was enough. As she settled the glass back onto the table, her triumphant smile faded, replaced by a flicker of confusion. Her eyes met mine and I held her gaze, unflinching, the weight of the moment resting between us.
The speeches continued, oblivious to the silent battle. Caroline, usually so composed, shifted in her seat, a hand fluttering to her throat as though tracing the path of the champagne. She reached for the glass again, almost reflexively, before catching herself. Her eyes darted around the room, seeking an escape, but there was none.
“Lori, you look like you’re going to be sick,” Julia whispered, concern lacing her voice. I turned to her, the tension in my chest loosening with a sudden laugh.
“I’m fine,” I replied, my voice steady. “Just enjoying the show.”
A few tables away, Caroline’s complexion had grown pale, her breathing shallow. Whatever she had intended for me, it was working on her now. Her husband, oblivious, continued chatting with the guests. It was as if Caroline’s mask was slipping, the facade of control crumbling as the room spun around her.
I could see the panic sparking in her eyes. It was a strange mixture of satisfaction and dread knowing she was tasting a bit of her own medicine. Yet, I had to be cautious; whatever Caroline had done was still a mystery. I needed to know her plan.
The DJ’s voice boomed through the speakers, a vibrant announcement of dancing to follow the toasts. As couples began to move towards the dance floor, I seized the opportunity to approach Caroline. Her expression hardened as I neared, but she was trapped, unable to flee without drawing attention.
“Mother,” I greeted her, my voice honeyed with feigned affection. “You don’t look well.”
Caroline opened her mouth to speak, but her voice faltered, a weak croak escaping her lips. She grasped the edge of the table, her fingers clawing into the linen.
“What did you do?” she hissed, her voice barely audible over the music.
I leaned in, my voice low. “What did you do, Caroline?” I countered, letting the question hang in the air.
She didn’t answer, her eyes darting about, searching for an ally. But there were none. Everyone was lost in the celebration, the music, the joy of the night. Everyone except us.
“I suppose it doesn’t matter now,” I continued softly. “But maybe think twice before trying to poison your daughter-in-law. Or anyone, really.”
With that, I straightened, leaving her to her unraveling. The night continued, the chaos contained within a single glass of champagne and a mother-in-law’s sinister intentions. As I walked back to Dylan, I felt the weight lift, the table turned. Today was still the happiest day of our lives — but for reasons Caroline could never have anticipated.