348 SS3 05: Honored Guests, Pardon Thy Tardiness

"Am I late?"

Avery did not hesitate. She marched right up to her son, gripping her clutch and forcing her smile more than usual. "I'm sorry. Should I have sent you an invitation? Because you clearly don't know what time the wedding starts."

Ambryan merely beamed and hugged her shoulders. "Thank you, mother. Everything looks great. I'm sure Eve would be blown away when she walks down the aisle."

Scowling, Avery stepped back. She assessed her son's face and searched for a hint of sarcasm. "Who are you and what have you done to my son?"

"Leave him be," Madame Isabelle cut in, walking up behind them. "Weddings are a good time for children to be grateful to their parents. Accept it now and question later."

Avery gave her son one last look before linking arms with her husband again. Mishta appeared beside them, informing them that the ceremony would begin soon. She gathered and lined up the entourage at the lobby—Richard at the front as the best man.