In the passageway outside the grand ballroom where the wedding was being held. Two women similarly dressed to Adele were holding each arm of the nervous bride, guiding her through breathing exercises; they were the other two bridesmaids.
Seated in a wheelchair was a white-haired older man, sleeping with his head hanging down amidst all the noise and chatter. He was Brianna's grandfather, the man giving her away since her father was away on business.
Adele stood isolated in a corner with a stainless steel hip flask filled with liquor at her lips. Her back faced everyone as she took quick gulps of the whiskey in the small bottle.
"Adele Ricci?" she heard a masculine, mature voice call and quickly swallowed as she closed the hip flask before pushing it into her diamond-encrusted purse.
Adele offered her best smile as she turned around, "Yes?"
