Chapter 4

The wedding day arrived quickly. It was set at the most luxurious five-star hotel in the city.

Melanie had invited practically everyone she knew: college classmates, coworkers, business partners from her industry, and every aunt and uncle from her hometown she could think of.

She was more excited for this wedding than anyone. To her, it wasn't just a wedding. It was her official coronation into high society.

She stood at the ballroom entrance in the couture gown I'd paid over ten thousand dollars to have custom-made for her, her hair pinned into a flawless updo, her face glowing with satisfaction.

Her bridesmaids crowded around her, giggling and teasing. "After today, you're officially the young lady of the Starr family!"

Melanie laughed and swatted at them. "Don't be ridiculous," she said, though she couldn't hide the pride in her eyes.

I sat in the groom's suite while the stylist finished my hair. In the mirror, I looked sharp in my tailored suit, every bit the confident groom. But where Melanie couldn't see, my eyes had gone cold.

Sean had already arrived downstairs. He wore the groomsman's suit I'd had made for him, the baby in his arms, flanked by two men my aide, Walter Marshall, had arranged.

Walter: [Mr. Starr, we're here.]

Me: [Good.]

I set my phone down and looked at myself in the mirror, and let a smile spread across my face.

'Melanie, your good days are about to run out.'

At exactly eleven o'clock, the ceremony began. The ballroom was packed with guests, the crystal chandeliers throwing off brilliant light, flowers and balloons filling every corner. The officiant ran through the same opening lines every officiant uses.

Melanie stood at the end of the aisle, watching me, her eyes full of anticipation and love.

At least in that moment, her love was real.

It just wasn't worth what it cost.

The wedding march began, and I walked slowly down the aisle. Applause rolled through the room, and everyone rose to their feet, watching us with warm, hopeful eyes.

I reached Melanie, and my father looked between us.

"Melanie, I'm handing over my son to you."

"Dad, don't worry. I'll love Freddie with my whole life." Her voice even caught, just slightly.

'What a performance.'

I laughed coldly to myself.

The officiant moved through the ceremony, the vows, the exchange of rings, everything going smoothly. Until he announced, "And now, let's welcome the groomsmen to the stage!"

Five groomsmen filed out from the side door and took their places.

Melanie glanced at them, a little confused, and whispered to me, "Freddie, wasn't there supposed to be one more?"

"You're right." I smiled at her, then took the microphone from the officiant.

"Everyone, thank you for coming to celebrate my wedding to Melanie."

My voice carried through the speakers, filling the entire ballroom.

"Now, I'd like to welcome the most important groomsman of the day. He's also a gift I'm giving myself, and a gift I'm giving Melanie."

I raised my hand and pointed toward the ballroom's closed front doors.

"Bring him in."

The doors swung slowly open. Every head in the room turned to look.

Sean walked in, one careful step at a time, dressed in a dark groomsman's suit, the baby held close in his arms.