Chapter 1

The night before my wedding, someone mailed me a VIP hotel keycard.

Same room number where Liam proposed.

I figured it was some romantic surprise he'd planned.

I pushed open the door and caught him tangled up in bed with another woman.

When he finished, he shoved her off him without a second thought.

Lit up a cigarette, smirking like it was nothing.

"No point hiding anymore—figured I'd let you catch us now so I don't have to deal with it after we're married."

He flicked ash on the nightstand and added one more thing.

"Relax, you're still gonna be my wife."

"You've been with me ten years, made enemies with half the old money families doing business for me—nobody else would touch you even if I dumped you.!"

"Tomorrow happens exactly as planned, just—"

"You get the wedding, she gets the marriage license."

He probably expected me to ask why.

I didn't say a word.

Just slipped off my engagement ring, set it down, turned around and walked out.

Next day, Liam stood at the church steps in his tux waiting for me.

I didn't bail, didn't hide.

Walked straight up with my biggest rival's arm locked in mine and waved a marriage license in his face.

"The wedding's all yours—but the marriage license? Already gave it to him."

***

"Here she comes, here she comes—bride's finally out."

Reporters swarmed the hotel entrance when I came downstairs.

Camera flashes going off like crazy.

"Miss Aria, how's it feel on your big day?"

"Miss Aria, any thoughts on this insane wedding Mr. Liam put together for you?"

I kept my mouth shut and let security walk me to the car.

Wedding was set for Sacred Heart Cathedral on the east side.

Liam stood on the steps in his white tux wearing that smug-ass smile like he'd already won.

Called me this morning saying he went seven rounds last night, body's wrecked, needs sleep.

Can't pick up his own bride.

He was dead certain I'd still show.

His best man let out a whistle first.

"She actually showed!"

Elbowed Liam with this nasty grin plastered on his face.

"Our boy's got her trained right—out screwing around the night before and she still rolls up in her wedding dress. Now that's what I call well-trained!"

Another groomsman jumped in.

"For real though, the way he was going at it last night would've put anyone else in the hospital, but here he is standing tall ready to get hitched—mad respect."

They all cracked up.

Liam's mouth twitched up.

Voice flat as hell. "Aria's been mine ten years—who the hell else would take her?"

Glanced down at the ring I ditched last night.

"She's throwing a fit, that's normal. But at the end of the day—"

Paused, voice rock solid. "She's still gonna walk right up and put her hand in mine."

His buddy threw him a thumbs up.

Car door swung open and I stepped out in white.

Sunlight hit the dress and scattered light everywhere.

Something flickered in Liam's eyes.

Actually, it sounded genuine for once.

"Damn, my wife looks hot in that dress."

Before he could even touch me, his phone buzzed.

He checked the screen.

Lips curved up like he couldn't help it as he stepped away to answer.

"What's up? Told you to call later."

Some breathy, whiny voice came through.

"Liam, I'm flying abroad this afternoon... so I booked us at Clerk's Office in ten minutes—can you come real quick? I want the marriage license before I leave."

"Ten minutes?" Liam chuckled low. "That desperate?"

...

Liam hung up and his buddy walked over. "Who was that?"

"Ivy." Liam shoved his phone away, eyes lighting up. "She's flying out this afternoon, won't leave without getting the license first. Whined at me till I caved."

His buddy raised an eyebrow. "What about the wedding?"

"What's the rush?" Liam shrugged it off. "Wedding takes like an hour or two. I'll hit Clerk's Office first—ten minute thing. You know how Ivy gets. Don't keep her happy, she'll cry at the damn airport."

His buddy knew better than to push.

Liam walked over, threw his arm around my shoulder and told the photographer to get ready.

"Get a shot of this, something for the memories."

Click. Done.

Checked his watch. "Alright, that'll do. Gotta bounce or I'll miss the appointment."

Turned and headed for another car.

"Liam!"

I stayed put and called his name.

He stopped mid-step and looked back.

Still had that cocky look like he controlled everything.

"You walk out that door today," I said every word clearly, "and I'm swapping out the groom."