Chapter Twenty

Madilyn’s girlfriends looked repulsed as they took in Lydia. Their perfectly painted faces twisted into sneers as they whispered to each other, their words dripping with disdain. "Is that really Drake's girlfriend?" The one named Megan remarked, her voice laced with disgust as she appraised Lydia from head to toe. A small smirk played on her lips as she added, "Not exactly a catch, is she?" She turned to the girl beside her and murmured something else under her breath, causing them both to giggle at Lydia's expense.

Nervously, Lydia shuffled her feet as she stood among the group of glamorous people. They all seemed to exude confidence and they all looked like they were ready to walk the catwalk. Each one of them was flawless. Not a single inch out of place, their bodies perfectly sculpted and toned. Their physical perfection was undeniable. They didn’t even have a single strand of hair out of place. It was ridiculous how gorgeous these women were, and if the rumors were to be believed, Drake had been romantically involved with each of them at some point. Lydia felt small and insignificant under their scrutiny, wishing she could just disappear

Lydia took a deep breath, steeling herself against the cruel words and judgmental looks. She knew she didn't fit into their world of superficial beauty and shallow relationships, but she also knew she didn't want to. Drake had seen something in her that went beyond physical appearances, something real and genuine. And that was all that mattered to her.

Ignoring the whispers and giggles around her, Lydia raised her chin defiantly and met Megan's icy gaze head-on. "I may not be what you're used to, but I know who I am," she said, her voice steady and unwavering. "And I'd rather be true to myself than pretend to be someone I'm not just to fit in with people like you."

Megan's smirk faltered for a moment before she regained her composure, clearly caught off guard by Lydia's unexpected show of strength. The other girls fell silent, watching the exchange with interest. Megan opened her mouth, ready to snarl more insults at Lydia but, Madilyn interrupted.

“No girls, no need to be catty. Lydia is here as my guest, and you’ll all treat her with respect or you can kiss being in my wedding party goodbye.”

Beatrice's voice rose an octave as she pleaded with Maddie. "We've been through everything together since our college days in the sorority. How could you let this nobody come between us? Are you really willing to abandon our friendship for her?"

Before Madilyn could even open her mouth to speak, Drake barged into the room. He strode over to Lydia and engulfed her in a tight embrace, pressing his lips against the top of her head. “Having fun, Princess?” He asked as he took in the scene.

“Mmmhmmm. It’s been a delight. All of Maddie’s friends have been so welcoming.” Lydia replied, shooting a glare over at Megan and then one at Beatrice.

“Okay, well I’ll leave you to finish getting acquainted then. I just wanted to tell you that I’ve got a meeting with my father, in case you wandered off to find me. I’ll come and collect you before dinner.” He whispered into her ear.

Lydia turned to face him, confused on what he’d be meeting his father for. But before she could ask, Drake took the moment as a chance to steal a kiss. He placed his lips gently against Lydia’s, letting them linger a little longer than what was considered polite in society. He wanted all the women in the room to know that Lydia was his, and that if they messed with her, they’d have to deal with him. Sure he’d messed around with all of them, but they all knew two things. One, Drake didn’t do public displays of affection. Two, Drake didn’t kiss on the lips. He’d broken both of those rules with Lydia. He wanted them to know that she was different than they were. That she was better than them.

Lydia watched as Drake walked out of the room, and she couldn’t help but feel like she was being left alone in a den of vipers. Shortly after Drake left, Madilyn excused herself as well, stating that she needed to go grab a pamphlet from Diane. It didn’t take long for the vipers to strike.

“So, you’re Drake’s new toy,” Megan sneered, standing up from her chair and walking toward Lydia.

“I’m his girlfriend, if that’s what you’re wanting to know.”

“Drake doesn’t date. And if he did he wouldn’t be dating someone of your….class.” Beatrice replied, following behind Megan to stand in front of Lydia.

“Maybe he just wanted to take a break from society snobs like you and date an actual woman with….class.” Lydia snapped back, unwilling to back down. She knew the moment Drake kissed her in front of them, and marked her as his that she’d have to deal with this. She’d dealt with mean girls all her life. This foursome didn’t scare her.

“WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME!” Megan screeched, stepping closer to Lydia.

Out of the corner of her eyes Lydia noticed the camera people crowding around the door, wanting to capture this scene. She could already see the title of the article, “Bridesmaids Gone Savage.” She wanted to leave the room before too much chaos unfolded but she didn’t want it to seem like she was tucking tail and running. She’d have to deal with these girls for the rest of the wedding, she didn’t want them to think they’d won and that she was afraid of them. “You heard me,” Lydia replied fists clenched by her sides as she stood her ground.

“Why you little bitch!” Megan hissed.

Lydia's senses were overwhelmed as a cold and sticky liquid splashed onto her face, soaking her hair and clothes. She stumbled back in shock as she realized that Megan had just thrown the rest of her drink at her. The sharp sting of alcohol hit her nose and she could taste the bitter tang on her lips. With a gasp, she wiped her eyes to clear the blur of the drink and glared at Megan, who stood with a smug smirk on her face. Lydia's anger boiled up inside of her like a volcano, ready to erupt at any moment. She knew she needed to leave the room before she erupted. “It takes one to know one, Megan.” She hissed wiping the remnants of the drink from her face.

She turned to stride out of the room, but stopped short, just before the door, turning to face the group of bridesmaid, “Oh and Meg, honey, I hope that the camera crew caught that.” She winked, smiling wickedly as Megan’s jaw dropped when she finally noticed the camera people and reporters.

Despite her ruined hair, makeup, and dress, Lydia felt victorious. She had managed to rise above the petty drama and maintain her composure. She didn't stoop down to Megan and her clique's level; instead, she showed maturity and grace. She didn't boast about her relationship with Drake either, showing that she was confident enough without needing to flaunt it. In the end, she had proved herself to be the bigger person. Even though now she needed to hurry back upstairs and change before dinner.

As Lydia made her way back to her room, the adrenaline from the confrontation still coursing through her veins, she could not help but replay the scene in her mind. She felt a mix of satisfaction at standing up for herself and frustration at the unnecessary drama.

Lydia snapped out of her thoughts as she heard Drake's voice yelling.

“I WASN’T THE ONE FUCKING HER ROBERT!”