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Harper’s POV

I spent most of the car ride to the wedding venue staring out the window. Apparently, the decor in my house was just my mom celebrating leaving ‘the hell hole’ as she likes to call it. The wedding celebration wasn't going to take place there.

I wonder why she felt the need to invite people there if she feels so embarrassed to have lived in a place such as this. I don't always try to make sense of what my mom does and this is one of those moments.

She is chattering excitedly beside me inside the car about the wedding reception, the designer dress waiting for me in some huge room and how important it is to make a good impression. She has also listed many other people from Westwood they invited to the wedding.

“Don’t forget that your dazzling smile tonight, mon cherie.” She continued, typing fast in her new phone. My eyes dropped on the wedding ring again and I felt all sort of emotions.

“Its hard to celebrate someone else’s surprise wedding on my birthday.” I tried hard not to sound snappy.

“Now you are being dramatic.” She was still staring down at her phone doing some last touches of the wedding for sure.

“I’m losing my home.” I whispered but she didn't hear me or chose not to give me an answer.

When we arrived at the venue to find it packed with Westwood’s elite. It's as though they knew about the wedding or cancelled all their plans to attend on a Friday dressed like they are attending the event of the year. There re private security everywhere along with champagne towers.

The ballroom screamed old money.

I felt like an outsider amongst the ton of rich people wearing clothes that will buy my car three times. Some of them smiled politely like they are welcoming us to the society while others were whispering loudly to show just how snobbish they are. I looked at their lips individually as they talked.

“That’s the Carter girl. I haven't seen her in years and she is this… big?”

“Poor Theodore.”

“I give it two years.”

“Natasha certainly recovered after the debt scandal.”

“Of course, she has hit a jackpot.”

I did not bother pretending that I did not hear them because I did. I allow my face to show them the subtitles instead of entertaining their petty gossips. I have spent years being the subject of gossip and bullying, I can survive another night.

Mom and I went to get dressed in the private room and true to her words, she has got designer clothes for me. I have always loved fashion and this butter yellow dress is absolutely stunning. It made me forget that I was mad for a second.

It fits me like a glove and I am glad my mom still never forgot my size. And since I didnt get to eat most of the day –not even the cupcakes Blair kept for me– my stomach looks flat in the dress showing my round curves more. I gave a twirl in the mirror then got my makeup and hair done.

Just because i’m not in a good mood doesn't mean I'll allow myself to look awful. No matter what I’m going through, I always try to look my best so I wont give people something more to talk about other than my size. I am somehow used to that one.

Well, until Declan decides to throw his own next level grade of shit. That fucking bully.

I stood near a tall window, my fingers wrapped around a glass of sparkling water I have no intention of drinking. I wish I still take alcohol but my weight journey has stopped me completely. Maybe I can use today as cheat day? I hate every second of this ceremony.

“Harper.” I didn’t have to turn to know who it was. “Come with me. Theodore wants to meet you properly,”

“As if he hasn’t already seen me.”

“Harper!” It was the warning voice.

I swallowed the sarcastic reply sitting on the tip of my tongue and followed her through the fake crowd. They were kissing and hugging and congratulating my mom while insulting her the minute she turned away.

At the center of the crowd stood Theodore Kings. He was taller than I expected, more handsome with his silver-streaked dark hair neatly combed back. He was intimidating because it looks like everyone around waits for his approval before they talk.

The richest man in Westwood and the man my mother somehow married. He excused himself from the small group surrounding him when he saw us approaching.

“Harper.” His smile was genuine which was amongst the few I have seen today. “It’s good to finally meet you.”

“You too.” I gave a small nod.

He somehow seemed to notice how uncomfortable i am with the whole setting.

“I was hoping we’d have a chance to speak somewhere a little quieter.”

Before my mother could answer for me, Theodore gestured toward a balcony overlooking the gardens.

“Would that be alright?”

I shrugged. “I guess.”

The evening air was cooler outside. For the first time all night, I could breathe. Theodore rested his hands lightly against the balcony railing, giving me enough space that I didn’t feel cornered.

“I owe you an apology.”

“For what?”

“For today.”

He looked toward the gardens before meeting my eyes again. “I know this isn’t how you imagined spending your birthday.”

I blinked because I didn’t expect THAT from him. I’m waiting for all the ruthless billionaire vibes but it’s not coming.

“I also know this marriage probably feels sudden.”

“It is sudden.”

“It is.”

“I won’t pretend I know what you’ve been through. Losing your father and watching your family struggle at a young age. Then finding out your mother remarried without giving you much time to process it.”

Okay, the last thing I want right now is pity. “I don’t need another father.”

“I know.”

———

“I’m sure you didn’t skip the dessert I asked you to.” A familiar hard voice said from behind me.

I knew who it was before I turned. He stood a few feet away with one hand tucked into the pocket of his tailored black trousers, the other wrapped around a glass of whiskey. A black suit hugged his broad shoulders as though it had been made for him. His chestnut hair was slightly tousle like he couldn’t be bothered to tame it.

My eyes searched his face, waiting for the usual boyish smug grin he always has reserved for when he knows his bully hits home. It never came.

Instead his jaw was locked so tightly I could see the muscle twitch beneath his skin. His green eyes settled on me then drifted to where Theodore stood beside my mother before returning to me.

I have always hated that look. It crawled beneath my skin and stayed there making me painfully aware of every inch of my body.

But Declan looks very very furious right now. He doesn’t look as surprised as I was about the wedding. I have no idea why he is angry though.