Chapter 2

He froze for a second, then laughed—contemptuous and way too sure of himself.

"Swap the groom? With who? You think this is some Netflix drama?"

"Everyone in this city knows you're mine."

"I mean... if you actually manage to find some idiot willing to marry you, sure, I'll let you go—"

Pulled open the car door and tossed back one last patronizing line.

"Quit playing games. Be good, wait for me. Those other guys don't mean shit, yeah?"

The groomsmen behind me traded awkward looks.

His buddy chased after him. "Liam, you're seriously leaving—"

"Cover for me, I'll be back."

Liam slammed the door, voice urgent. "That girl's a pain in my ass. Don't need the drama."

Car peeled out.

I just stood there.

Wind catching my veil.

Photographer stood there awkwardly holding his camera.

Nobody said a word.

I stared down at my bare ring finger.

Slowly smiled.

Liam, go ahead.

Go get your license.

This million-dollar wedding—

I'm keeping it.

I grabbed my dress and walked into the church.

Guests seated, officiant ready, wedding march playing.

Everything is perfect.

Except no groom.

Liam's buddy caught up, forcing a smile.

"Hey Aria, Liam had something come up, he'll be right back. Just chill for a sec."

Another one jumped in with excuses. "Yeah yeah, our boy always knows what he's doing. Your big day—he'll show for sure."

"Totally, Liam never flakes on the important stuff."

They all talked over each other, making "groom ditched" sound like he ran out for coffee.

I glanced at the church clock—10:40.

"Fine. I'll wait."

His buddy visibly relaxed and started getting people to bring me tea and dessert.

I waited.

But who I was waiting for—none of their damn business.