Chapter 4

I stared at the charge, too drained even to laugh.

She'd used the card I'd given her, which was linked to my account, to buy another guy a five-figure watch.

Meanwhile, the suit she'd picked for me yesterday was some cheap rental her assistant found.

Three days later, we had our final rehearsal and menu tasting.

I got to the hotel ballroom on time and pushed through the doors.

Derek was already onstage in a brand-new custom suit, that five-figure limited-edition watch flashing on his wrist.

Joan stood below, looking up at him like he hung the moon.

If I didn't know I was the groom, I would've thought I'd walked into someone else's wedding.

The second Joan saw me, her smile vanished.

She hurried over, trying to sound casual even as guilt flashed across her face. "Derek's always wanted a watch like this. I'm his friend. I just helped make it happen. Your rental suit looks fine too. Don't be so petty."

I looked at her, calm as ever. "Buying him a watch with my card. Real generous."

Her face tightened before anger took over. "So I spent some of your money. Once we're married, won't all my money be yours anyway?

"Do you seriously have to embarrass me in front of everyone?"

I ignored her outburst and walked straight to the tasting table.

Servers were setting out plates of upscale seafood.

Serving top-quality seafood at weddings was a tradition in my family.

Joan took one look and slammed her hand on the table. "Who approved this? Don't you know Derek's allergic to seafood?

"Take all of it away. Make the whole menu vegetarian."

The banquet manager looked at me, unsure.

I stood and met Joan's eyes. "This is my wedding. I picked the menu. Why should everything change because of him?"

Derek sighed and lightly grabbed her sleeve.

"Joan, stop. I just won't eat. I don't want to ruin Clint's wedding over this. I'll be fine."

Then he picked up a piece of shrimp and popped it into his mouth. "See? A little won't hurt me."

Before he could finish, he grabbed his throat.

His face turned red.

Then he collapsed.

"Derek!"

Joan's face twisted with rage as she shoved me aside. "Are you happy now? If anything happens to Derek, I'll never forgive you."

I lost my balance and hit the floor.

My palm came down on shards of broken glass.

Pain shot through my hand as blood spilled across the white carpet.

Joan didn't even look back.

She hauled Derek up and rushed him out of the ballroom.

The whole room erupted into chaos.

I stayed on the floor, watching blood run down my palm.

'It barely hurts.'

Compared to the last seven years, what was a little pain?

I pulled out my phone and called the wedding planner. "Ms. Wesley?"

"Yes, Mr. Crawford. What can I do for you?"

I looked around the empty ballroom and spoke slowly.

"Cancel the wedding. Take everything down."

"But does Ms. Quinton know?"

She didn't need to know anymore.

Because the groom was finally done with her.