When Richard spotted Emma, he walked over with his aunt. «Aunt Helen, this is Emma Wilson, the person who keeps our home running smoothly,» Richard said with genuine appreciation.
«It’s nice to meet you,» Emma said politely.
«Richard tells me you’re expecting. When is the baby due?» Helen asked kindly.
«In about three months,» Emma replied, surprised by the woman’s interest.
«Well, make sure you’re taking care of yourself, dear.»
Richard smiled at the exchange before Vanessa appeared at his side, linking her arm through his. «Richard, the Johnsons just arrived. We should greet them,» Vanessa said, pulling him away without acknowledging Emma or Helen.
The rehearsal dinner began at seven o’clock. Emma worked behind the kitchen doors. She could see Richard at the head table with Vanessa, her engagement ring sparkling under the chandelier lights.
Halfway through the main course, Julia’s phone rang. She stepped away to answer it, and Emma noticed the wedding planner’s face fall as she listened. When Julia hung up, she rushed to Vanessa’s side and whispered in her ear.
«What do you mean she has laryngitis?» Vanessa’s voice rose above the dinner conversation. «The wedding is in two days.»
Guests turned to look as Vanessa’s perfect composure cracked slightly. «I’m sorry, Miss Clark. She called from the doctor’s office. She can’t speak, let alone sing,» Julia explained.
«This is a disaster,» Vanessa said. «What are we supposed to do about our first dance? The song was specifically arranged for her voice.»
Richard placed his hand over Vanessa’s. «It’s okay. We can use a recording instead.»
«It’s not the same,» Vanessa insisted.
Margaret Bennett, seated on Richard’s other side, leaned forward. «You know, I remember hearing someone with a lovely voice at your house recently.»
«Who?» Richard asked.
«Your maid, Emma. I heard her singing in the garden one morning while she was hanging laundry. She has a beautiful voice.»
Emma, who was replacing water glasses nearby, froze at the mention of her name. Vanessa’s expression shifted from annoyance to something calculated. «Emma, our Emma?»
«Yes,» Margaret continued. «It was quite impressive. Very natural talent.»
Vanessa’s eyes found Emma across the room, and a slow smile spread across her face. «How interesting. I had no idea.»
After dinner, Emma noticed Vanessa pull Julia aside into a small alcove off the main dining room. Their conversation seemed intense, with Vanessa doing most of the talking and Julia repeatedly shaking her head.
«I don’t think that’s a good idea,» Julia said, loud enough for Emma to hear as she cleared plates from a nearby table.
«I’m not asking for your opinion,» Vanessa replied. «Just make it happen.»
When Julia walked away, her face showed clear discomfort. She caught Emma’s eye briefly before looking away quickly.
Michael Reed, Richard’s best friend and business partner, approached Emma as she worked. «You’re Emma, right?» he asked quietly.
«Yes, sir.»
«How are you feeling? Should you be on your feet this much?»
Emma was surprised by his concern. «I’m fine. I need the hours.»
Michael nodded, then lowered his voice. «Be careful around Vanessa. Something doesn’t seem right.»
Before Emma could respond, Michael moved away, heading toward Richard, who stood talking with other guests. From across the room, Emma watched Michael speak to Richard, their conversation appearing serious. Richard shook his head and clapped Michael on the shoulder with a smile, as if dismissing whatever concern had been raised.
Later that night, back at the mansion, Emma counted her tips from the evening. The extra money would help with baby expenses, but she was still far from affording the crib she had seen at the store. «Six more shifts like tonight,» she calculated aloud in her small room.
A knock on her door interrupted her thoughts. Antonio stood there with a plate of leftover dessert. «You missed the chocolate cake,» he said, handing her the plate. «It’s good.»
«Thanks, Antonio.» Emma took the plate gratefully.
Antonio didn’t leave. Instead, he stepped into her room and closed the door partially. «I saw Vanessa talking with her bridesmaids tonight,» he said. «They were looking at you and laughing. I don’t like it.»
Emma sighed. «She probably just thinks it’s funny that a pregnant maid works for her.»
«No, it was more than that. They kept saying something about the ‘special surprise’ for the wedding and looking in your direction. Be careful, Emma.»
Emma thought about Vanessa’s phone call and her reaction to Margaret’s comment about Emma’s singing. «Do you think it has something to do with the wedding singer getting sick?» Emma asked.
Antonio’s eyes widened slightly. «What do you mean?»
«Richard’s mother mentioned she heard me singing once, and Vanessa got this strange look on her face.»
«That doesn’t sound good,» Antonio said. «Vanessa doesn’t do nice things for people like us. Whatever she’s planning, it’s not to help you.»
Emma nodded, remembering Michael’s warning as well. «I’ll be careful.»
The next morning, Emma was cleaning the breakfast dishes when Vanessa entered the kitchen. It was unusual to see her there, as she typically avoided the staff areas. «Good morning, Emma,» Vanessa said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
«Good morning, Ms. Clark,» Emma replied cautiously.
Vanessa leaned against the counter. «I hear you have a beautiful voice.»
Emma nearly dropped the plate she was washing. «I used to sing a little.»
«How modest,» Vanessa said, studying her. «You know, our wedding singer has fallen ill. Such bad timing.»
«I heard. I’m sorry about that.»
«Well, these things happen.» Vanessa waved her hand dismissively. «I was thinking perhaps you could help us out if needed.»
Emma turned to face Vanessa fully, surprised by the request. «Me? Sing at your wedding?»
«Just as a backup plan, of course. We’re trying to find a professional replacement, but on such short notice…» Vanessa let the sentence hang in the air.
«I don’t know, Ms. Clark. I haven’t performed in a long time.»
«But you could if needed, right? It would mean so much to Richard. He’s been so kind to you during your situation.» Vanessa glanced at Emma’s pregnant belly.
Emma felt conflicted. Richard had indeed been kind to her, and if she could repay that kindness somehow… «I suppose I could if you really need help,» Emma said hesitantly.
«Wonderful.» Vanessa’s smile broadened. «Let’s hope we find a replacement and don’t need to bother you, but it’s good to know we have a backup plan.»
After Vanessa left, Emma called her friend Sarah from Nashville. «She asked me to possibly sing at her wedding,» Emma explained. «It seems strange. She’s never been nice to me before.»
«Maybe she’s finally seeing you as a person instead of just the help,» Sarah suggested.
«Maybe,» Emma replied, though she didn’t believe it. «It might be a good opportunity, though. If I did well, maybe Richard would recommend me to some of his music industry friends.»
«Just be careful,» Sarah warned. «It seems too convenient that their singer got sick right after Richard’s mom mentioned your voice.»
Throughout the day, Emma noticed Julia giving her strange glances whenever they passed in the hallways. Once, she caught Vanessa whispering with her bridesmaids, all of them looking in Emma’s direction before laughing.
As final wedding preparations continued, Emma felt increasingly uneasy. But a small part of her wondered if this might be a chance to sing again, to be seen as more than just a pregnant maid.
That evening, as she helped prepare guest rooms for out-of-town arrivals, Emma overheard Vanessa speaking to Julia in the hallway. «Everything is arranged just as we discussed,» Vanessa said. «Tomorrow will be unforgettable for everyone.»
When Julia walked away, Emma noticed the wedding planner’s troubled expression. Their eyes met briefly, and Julia’s look of pity sent a chill through Emma. Something was wrong, very wrong.
But by tomorrow, it would be too late to stop whatever Vanessa had planned.
Emma tossed and turned all night, troubled by the look of pity on Julia’s face. When her alarm clock showed five o’clock in the morning, she gave up on sleep and rose to prepare for the wedding day. The baby kicked as Emma dressed in her uniform, a simple black dress stretched over her pregnant belly.
«Today’s going to be a long day for both of us,» Emma whispered, placing her hand on her stomach.
By six o’clock, the Brentwood Country Club was already buzzing with activity. Florists carried arrangements of white roses through the grand entrance. Catering staff wheeled in carts loaded with food. Photographers tested lighting throughout the venue.
Emma joined the kitchen staff, helping to unpack serving dishes and arrange silverware. Her back ached with every movement, but she focused on the overtime pay. With each hour worked, she was closer to affording the crib her baby would need.
«You shouldn’t be carrying those,» Antonio said, quickly taking a stack of plates from Emma’s hands. «Here, I made a place for you.»
He led her to a small corner of the kitchen where he’d placed a chair and a small table. «You can fold these napkins sitting down,» he explained. «No one will know the difference, and your back will thank you.»
Emma smiled gratefully. «Thank you, Antonio. Two hundred dollars for today’s work, right?»
«Two hundred fifty if you stay through cleanup,» Antonio replied.
«That’s almost half the cost of the crib.»
Around ten o’clock, Richard appeared in the kitchen doorway. He wore casual clothes, looking nothing like a man who would be married in a few hours. His eyes scanned the room until they found Emma.
«Good morning,» he said, approaching her corner. «How are you feeling today?»
«I’m fine, Mr. Bennett,» Emma replied, continuing to fold napkins.
Richard frowned. «You look tired. Are you sure you should be working? It’s a lot of hours on your feet.»
«I need the money,» Emma said simply.
Richard nodded, understanding in his eyes. «Well, take breaks when you can, and if you need to leave early, that’s okay.»
As he turned to go, Emma called after him. «Aren’t you supposed to be getting ready?»
Richard paused. «Yes, I suppose I am.» He gave a small smile that didn’t reach his eyes. «Big day.»
Emma watched him leave, wondering at his lack of enthusiasm on his wedding day.
By noon, the pace of activity had increased dramatically. Vanessa arrived with her six bridesmaids, immediately taking over the bridal suite. Her voice echoed down the hallway as she inspected every detail.
«These flowers are the wrong shade of white,» she shouted at a trembling florist. «They look cheap. Fix this now.»
Emma avoided the bridal suite, instead helping to prepare the reception area. The ballroom had been transformed with white flowers, crystal chandeliers, and tables set with fine china. A stage for the band stood at one end, where musicians were setting up their equipment.
At one o’clock, Emma spotted Michael Reed standing alone on the balcony overlooking the ocean. She walked past with a tray of glasses, trying to be invisible.
«He doesn’t want to go through with it, you know,» Michael said suddenly, causing Emma to stop.
«Excuse me?» she asked.
«Richard, he’s having doubts. Has been for weeks.»
Emma shook her head. «I shouldn’t be hearing this, Mr. Reed.»
«Probably not,» Michael agreed, «but sometimes an outsider sees things more clearly than those involved.»
Before Emma could respond, Julia Torres rushed onto the balcony. «There you are,» she said to Michael. «The photographer needs the best man for pictures.»
As Michael left, Julia’s eyes met Emma’s briefly. Again, Emma saw that flash of pity, strengthening her sense of unease.
By three o’clock, guests began arriving in expensive cars. Women in designer dresses and men in tailored suits entered the venue, greeted by staff offering champagne. Emma retreated further into the background, serving when needed but trying to stay out of sight.
During a rare moment of rest in Antonio’s kitchen corner, Emma called her mother. «How’s the wedding?» her mother asked.
«Expensive,» Emma replied. «Everything costs more than our house.»
«And how are you feeling, honey? Is the baby moving a lot?»
«Yes, especially when I’m trying to rest. I think she’ll be a dancer,» Emma said, and her mother laughed.
«I still have videos of you dancing around the living room.»
After the call, Emma returned to work. The ceremony was scheduled for four o’clock, and the staff worked frantically to ensure everything was perfect. Emma watched from a side door as the ceremony began.
Richard stood at the altar, handsome in his tuxedo but looking strangely detached. When Vanessa appeared in her designer gown, which likely cost more than Emma would earn in a year, the guests gasped in appreciation. The ceremony was brief; within thirty minutes, Richard and Vanessa were pronounced husband and wife.
The crowd applauded as they walked back down the aisle together, Vanessa beaming while Richard smiled politely.
As the reception began, Emma’s workload increased. She moved between tables, serving drinks and clearing plates. Her feet and back screamed in protest, but she pushed through the pain.
During dinner, a young woman performed several songs with the band. She was the replacement singer, her voice pleasant but nothing special. Emma noticed Vanessa watching the singer with a dissatisfied expression.