Page 42 of Desk & Deception
“Best decision we ever made,” I agreed.
Hudson chuckled. “Smart move. No stress or drama. Just you two.”
Lila smiled softly, but I caught the brief shadow that crossed her face. She had chosen to go no contact with her parents and Sienna shortly after they found out the engagement was backon. They’d pushed hard for us to rush down the aisle using the original plans, but that hadn’t been what we wanted.
It had been hard on her, but she stood firm. I was proud of her for protecting her peace.
Serena reached over and gave Lila’s arm a gentle squeeze. “Well, we’re thrilled for you both. And honestly, it’s nice to see you two so happy. You deserve it.”
Lila winked. “Right back at ya.”
I glanced at my wife, feeling that familiar swell of pride. She looked stunning tonight, radiant in a deep-blue gown. I brushed my thumb over her wedding ring, still in awe that she had chosen to walk down the aisle to me.
Even in the middle of this packed room, I stayed tuned to her. Making sure her water was full, checking if she wanted another drink, leaning in to whisper something just to make her smile.
I would never take a single moment of our lives for granted again.
The host stepped back up to the podium as the lights dimmed. “And now, the award for Best Comedy Series…”
The room quieted in anticipation. When the winner was announced, applause erupted around us.
“Bennett Parker forThe Wrong Side of Right!”
I smiled and joined the clapping as my client made his way to the stage. He accepted the award with a wide grin, waving to the crowd before beginning his speech.
Lila’s gaze remained on the stage as she murmured, “I’ve heard good things about the show. Seems like it’s blowing up.”
“It is,” I agreed. “This win has been a long time coming for Bennett.”
The energy in the room was electric as everyone celebrated another big night in Hollywood. Little did we know how quickly that celebration was about to take a very awkward turn.
At the podium, Bennett held the award with a broad, confident smile as the applause died down. He began his speech with the usual thanks to the cast, crew, and network. Then he leaned into the microphone with a softer expression.
“Thank you to Laina for always being my inspiration.”
A collective sigh rippled through the crowd. Several people around us smiled, clearly charmed by what they thought was a sweet, loving tribute.
But then he added, “I wouldn’t have been able to write Sally’s character without knowing all your quirks so well.”
The energy in the room shifted. The main character of Bennett’s hit sitcom was famously chaotic and often the butt of the show’s harshest jokes. What had sounded romantic a moment ago now held an entirely different meaning.
An awkward silence fell across the ballroom as a few people exchanged uncomfortable glances. Someone at Bennett’s table let out a nervous cough. The smiles that had appeared seconds earlier faded entirely as people processed what they had just heard.
I felt Lila tense beside me. Her hand tightened slightly on my thigh under the table.
Bennett continued speaking, seemingly oblivious to the sudden change in the room’s atmosphere, but the damage was already done. The sweet moment had turned deeply uncomfortable, and everyone except him knew it.
Lila leaned closer and whispered, “Please tell me Laina isn’t his wife.”
I turned my head just enough to murmur, “I wish I could, but then I’d be lying.”
I slipped my hand over hers under the table and gave it a gentle squeeze.
She let out an incredulous laugh and shook her head, clearly stunned by the damage unfolding on stage. I caught thesecondhand embarrassment and concern for a woman she didn’t even know.
Her empathy was a big part of why I’d fallen in love with her in the first place…and how I was sitting next to her after everything.
