Chapter 4

"Chloe, have you lost your mind?"

He grabbed my wrist.

"What are you going to wear next week if you throw it away?"

"I'm not wearing anything."

"What is wrong with your attitude?"

Ethan was convinced I was just playing hard to get.

"Canceling a wedding over a torn dress? Are you really going to throw a tantrum like this?"

Isla stepped out with watery eyes.

"Chloe, I'll order a new one for you right now. Please don't fight with Ethan because of me."

She reached out to touch me, but I stepped back. "Don't touch me."

Isla shrunk back, looking deeply hurt.

"Ethan, does Chloe hate me?"

Ethan's patience finally snapped. He pulled Isla behind him.

"I thought you were just throwing a fit, but you're being completely unreasonable."

"Calm down on your own. Isla is shaken up. I'm taking her home."

"You better get your act together for the rehearsal tomorrow. Don't embarrass me in front of our friends and family."

The front door slammed shut.

I looked at the ruined wedding dress in the trash. There was no anger left in me—only the sweet relief of finality.

The next afternoon, at the hotel venue.

I sat in the empty seats, watching the wedding coordinators set up.

My phone buzzed. It was a Snapchat from Ethan.

"Isla had a high fever last night. I'm at the hospital with her."

"Go through the rehearsal alone. You know the timeline better than I do anyway."

"Stop being dramatic. Once her fever goes down, I'll come find you."

I locked my screen.

The coordinator walked over with a clipboard.

"Ms. Miller, since Mr. Wright isn't here, we should start the light rehearsal."

"He's not coming."

I stood up.

"Should we still proceed?"

"Yes."

I walked down the aisle, following the music to the stage.

There was no groom waiting for me, but my steps were incredibly steady.

After the rehearsal, I stopped the venue manager.

"Ms. Miller, is there anything else we need to adjust?"

I pointed at the massive backdrop on the stage that read: *Ethan Wright & Chloe Miller*.

"Change the groom's name."

The manager gasped. "What?"

"You don't have to worry about the cost. Your boss already knows. Every emergency change today will go through me."

The manager suddenly understood. "Understood, Ms. Miller. Who should we change it to?"

I handed over a piece of paper with a handwritten name. "This one."

"Are you sure? The ceremony is tomorrow..."

"I'm sure. Change the name on the welcome signs, the seating charts, the party favors—everything. I will pay double the fee."

"Yes, ma'am."

I walked out of the hotel. The sky was getting dark.

Ethan sent a voice message. I could hear the beeping of hospital monitors and Isla's soft coughing in the background.

"Chloe, did the rehearsal go well? I have to stay here tonight. I'll meet you directly at the hotel tomorrow."

After listening, I opened his profile on Snapchat and hit block.

Yes, Ethan. You can go straight to the hotel tomorrow.

But it won't be your wedding anymore.