Chapter 4

I glance at it. Blush-pink chiffon. Cheap, scratchy fabric. You wouldn't even put this on a bridesmaid.

"It's just a formality anyway. Dressing up too much would steal the spotlight, right?"

I don't want to fight anymore. I turn to leave.

Nate grabs my wrist and yanks me back. His eyes go soft — that melting, tender look he always pulls out when he needs me to fold.

Every single time he wants me to give in, this is the face he makes.

Slap me, then hand me candy. Same trick. Every time.

"Why are you being difficult? You think your husband won't buy you nice things?"

"Once Chloe has the baby, I'll make it up to you. The Hamptons estate — you've always wanted to do it there, right? I'll let you go all out. Whatever you want."

His breath is warm against my skin. His lips graze my earlobe.

Then Chloe comes running over in tiny, frantic steps, clutching a bundle of torn fabric.

"This dress is such garbage! It ripped before I even put it on!"

"Wren, what kind of trash boutique is this?"

Before I can open my mouth, he's already pulling her into his chest.

"It's just a dress, babe. I'll take you somewhere for a custom one."

He walks past me and ruffles my hair one more time. "Don't be late tomorrow. Don't embarrass me."

The morning of the wedding, Nate wakes up to his phone buzzing nonstop.

The group chat has blown up — ninety-nine-plus messages, all tagging him.

Brody's latest: "Bro, your girl posted a carousel — venue looks insane. Why aren't you on your way to pick her up yet?"

"She looks UNREAL today, man."

Nate taps into my Instagram.

A hand-beaded couture gown, the train spilling across the entire bed. I'm wearing the Sinclair heirloom set — choker, earrings, bracelet. I look expensive. Untouchable.

Caption: All dressed up. Waiting for my groom.

His mouth curves up before he can stop it.

Chloe pokes her head out from under his arm, pouting.

"She's wearing all that gold on purpose! She's trying to hurt my baby! The energy healer said—"

"If you let her get away with this today, she's walking all over me and your child!"

Chloe cries until Nate's jaw clenches with irritation.

Brody's call comes in at just the right moment.

"Bro, the car's ready! Everyone's waiting on you!"

Nate cuts him off.

"What car? Don't make a big deal of it. You go pick her up. Tell her I'm not feeling well — she can come to me."

"She's been acting out lately. Needs to be put in her place."

"A cab is fine. Can't keep spoiling her."

A few minutes later, Brody texts back.

"Uh… bro? Your girl just got picked up. In a Rolls-Royce. By your brother. Something you arranged on the side? "

"We were all set to film her getting into a cab so we could roast her in the group chat. You switched up the script on us, man. We waited for nothing."

Nate opens his mouth to argue. Swallows it.

Whatever. As long as she shows up. Saves him another tantrum later.

Telling himself he doesn't care, he's already in the closet reaching for his custom suit.

Nate pushes through the doors of the banquet hall. A handful of his buddies scattered around a half-empty room.

They start hollering.

"Where's the bride? Stop hiding her!"