Chapter 3

I sent back two words.

"No rush."

I was still looking at the conversation when my mother pushed the door open.

"What's going on, Rosie? The priest said the wedding's been delayed."

Her voice was anxious.

"Mr. and Mrs. Vance still aren't here. Is something wrong?"

Julian scoffed.

"I never told my parents. Of course they don't know there's a wedding today."

My mother stopped in her tracks.

"Julian," she asked carefully, "did you and Rosie have a fight?"

He cut her off.

"Mrs. Vaughn, the wedding's been postponed. Please let the guests know."

My mother stiffened. After a moment of silence, she slowly put on an understanding smile.

"That's all right. Another day is fine."

"Why don't we all have dinner together later? We ordered plenty of your favorite dishes."

Julian cut in impatiently.

"I know. We'll talk about it later."

My mother just stood there, so embarrassed she didn't know what to do with her hands.

My eyes stung.

The Vances had always looked down on me, and they treated my mother with just as little respect.

To keep from causing trouble for me, she watched every word, every move, terrified of giving them another reason to dislike her.

I took her arm and guided her toward the door.

"Mom, just do whatever the priest tells you."

She patted my hand.

"Talk it through with Julian. Don't fight."

I nodded.

"I won't."

After she left, Derek laughed loudly.

"Julian, that old hag is desperate to be your mother-in-law."

I walked over and slapped him hard across the face.

Derek froze in shock. Julian shoved me aside and stepped in front of him.

"Since when did you get so petty, Rosie?"

"Derek made one little joke, and you hit him?"

I laughed coldly.

"I was just joking too. Why are you taking it so seriously?"

Julian took a deep breath and stepped back.

"Enough. We're done here."

"I'll cover the cost of the wedding."

"Don't tell your mom about the bet."

That condescending look on his face made me sick.

A message from my mother came in.

"Rosie, the ceremony starts in fifteen minutes."

My expression went cold as I replied.

"Don't worry, Mom. The wedding will start on time."

Julian frowned.

"Rosie, have you been listening to a word I've said?"

Contempt filled his eyes.

"Fine. Let's see how you get yourself out of this one."

He turned and motioned for his friends to leave.

Before they even reached the door, I heard them making another bet.

"How long before she comes crawling back to Julian?"

"I give her a minute…"

Julian didn't stop them.

He let his friends treat me like entertainment. He took it for granted that I'd cave.

But this time, Grayson showed up.

He glanced at his phone, then tilted his head at me with a smile.

"My bride. Not late, am I?"