Chapter 1

This was the thirty-third time my fiancé Ethan had left me alone in the bridal shop because of his stepsister Jessica.

Every single time we scheduled a wedding photo shoot, Ethan would find some excuse not to show up.

I called to ask why. His tone was dismissive.

"Jessica wanted to travel. I'm already in Miami with her. There's really no way I can come back. We'll deal with the wedding photos next month."

Jessica snatched the phone.

"You're calling to bother us over something this trivial? It's not like this is the first time you've missed a shoot. You should be used to it by now."

This time, I didn't take off the wedding dress and slink away. Instead, I smiled and dialed Ethan's best friend.

"Vincent, if you can get to the bridal shop in five minutes, I'll marry you."

......

By the time the shoot was finished, it was already evening.

I changed out of the gown and settled into the lounge area, leaving a quick five-star review for the shop on Instagram.

The post had barely gone up when Ethan's number flashed on my screen.

But the voice on the other end was Jessica's, dripping with affected sweetness:

"Olivia, taking wedding photos all by yourself and posting about it? Doesn't that feel lonely?"

I leaned back against the sofa. "Not as lonely as you."

"My post went up less than ten seconds ago, and here you are calling. Watching my Instagram like a hawk, lurking on every single one of my accounts like a little mouse—who's the lonely one here?"

Jessica's composure shattered.

"I wasn't stalking you! I just happened to see it!"

I couldn't be bothered to keep talking to her. I hung up.

Shortly after, a string of texts from Ethan rolled in.

【Olivia, do you have any idea how hard Jessica is to calm down?】

【She called you because she cares about you. Why did you have to snap at her? When are you going to fix that temper of yours?】

I didn't reply. Instead, I opened Instagram and made another post.

The caption was simple: *My fiancé and I are having our wedding this weekend. All friends welcome.*

The comments section exploded.

【Oh my God, Olivia, you and Ethan are finally getting married? Congratulations!】

【I thought you two broke up ages ago. You're really doing it? I'll be there this weekend for sure!】

【New York's most beautiful bride is finally walking down the aisle. Ethan really waited for this day.】

I was about to reply when Ethan's comment appeared right at the top.

【Olivia, have you lost your mind? I'm still in Miami with Jessica. There's no way I can make it back to New York for a wedding this weekend. Can you stop making decisions on your own?】

【Delete this right now and tell everyone you made it up, before you embarrass yourself.】

I ignored Ethan's orders. Because my wedding no longer required him as the groom.