JULIANâS POV âJulianâ she whispered as she clung to me, the look in her doe-shaped eyes almost sending me over the edge. I tried not to look at her as I helped her out of the tub, my hands lingering on her waist for just a second before I took a step back. These were dangerous waters, and if I wasn't careful, it was going to pull me under. âHold still, Iâm going to lift you now.â âIâm fine, I canââ Her protest was cut off as I scooped her up, her wet and warm skin pressed to my shirt, soaking me through. âYouâre not fine,â I said evenly, though my jaw was tight and I could feel the beginning of an erection straining against my pants. âYouâre⌠ruining your shirt,â she whispered, her cheeks turning red as I stared into her eyes. I knew her chattering was more to distract herself from the fact that she was completely naked. My mouth twitched but it was not quite a smile. âI donât care about the shirt.â As I carried her back to the room, she clung to me like I was th
Zoeâs POV Tears continued to roll down my cheeks as I sat curled against the car door, hugging my knees to my chest as the bubbling city sped past in a blur. My hair was a tangled mess, my makeup was ruined due to the non-stop tears, and my lipstick had long since smeared off, but I didnât care. For the first time all week, I could finally breathe. I wasnât married to Liam. God, just thinking it sent a shaky laugh tumbling out of me, but it was a hollow, broken sound. The reality of what Iâd done was still sinking in âI wasn't sure if I was ready for the scandal, the whispers and headlines that would inevitably follow â but underneath all of that was a fierce, almost wild relief that surged through me. I had walked away. My phone buzzed again for the umpteenth time and I looked down to see Liamâs name flashing across the screen. I immediately cut the call off , as a wave of anger and disgust swept through me. My parentsâ names lit up the screen next, followed
Zoeâs POV âIf anyone has any reason why these two should not be joined together in holy matrimony,â the priestâs voice echoed through the chapel, âspeak now, or forever hold your peace.â The room went quiet as the words hung in the air like a dare. My lungs locked as my heart thudded so loud I could hear it over the soft rustle of gowns and suits. Almost without thinking, my eyes began to sweep the crowd. Row after row of expectant faces. My family and Liam's in front, Business associates of Liamâs. Family friends, my parentsâ guests, and politicians. Madison⌠Talâ Wait Madison? This bitch still had the audacity to show up here? This was gonna be interesting. I forced my gaze away from her hostile glare and kept scanning. But my stomach dropped when I didnât see him. No Julian. It was stupid â I didnât even know why I was looking for him. I shouldnât care if he came or not. But the empty spot in the back of the hall where I had imagined him sta
ZOEâS POV Today was my wedding day and instead of feeling happy butterflies, I felt panicked flutters.My reflection stared back at me, the woman in the mirror looked flawless, airbrushed, like someone who belonged on a bridal magazine cover. She didnât look like me. Iâm sure most women have at one point dreamt of the day they finally get to marry the love of their lives. Iâve dreamt of this moment since sophomore year, since the day Liam slid a promise ring on my finger and said he couldnât wait to make me his wife. I used to imagine my face glowing with happiness, my heart swelling with pride. But right now, I felt nothing. No glow. No pride. Just a strange hollowness in my chest and a tightness in my throat that felt like it might choke me. The makeup artist had outdone herself, sweeping gold shimmer across my lids, softening my mouth with a rose-colored gloss, making me look like the kind of woman who belonged at a perfect wedding. The irony almost made me laugh. Ellaâ
JULIANâS POV âCassandra, that doesnât work.â I pinched the bridge of my nose, leaning back in my chair. âNo, listen to meâif Burke wants a meeting, fine, but tell him Iâm not interested in getting into politics myself. Not now, not this year. I already told him this.â Cassandraâs calm clipped voice floated through the speakerphone. âHe says itâs an important bill and your endorsement couldââ âI donât care,â I cut her off, my voice sharp and exhausted. âI have too many projects on my plate. Damien Wolfeâs campaign goes live in two weeks and Iâm not about to dip my feet into some half-baked political stunt because Burke suddenly thinks Iâm the right poster boy.â She was quiet for a second, then I heard a soft laugh. âShould I tell him youâll send him a campaign donation if he promises not to call you for a week?â The corner of my mouth twitched. âMake it two weeks.â âUnderstood,â Cassandra said smoothly, amusement coloring her voice. âIâll send him a very polite decline.â
ZOEâS POV The next afternoon, I heard Ellaâs horn blaring from the driveway. I grabbed my overnight bag and was halfway to the door when I heard Liamâs footsteps pounding behind me. âZoe,â he called in a breathless tone. I froze, every muscle tightening, as I turned to him. He stared at me for a long second before he stepped closer and caught my hand, bringing it to his lips.âTomorrow I'll make you my wifeâ he said as he kissed the back of my palm, his voice low, like this was some kind of romantic declaration. âI canât wait.â âEnjoy your bachelorâs night.â My words came out cool and detached. I opened the door and stepped out into the afternoon sun, where Ella waited in her little blue BMW. She spotted Liam behind me, leaned over the wheel, and without missing a beat, flipped him off. His face twisted into a frown before he turned and slammed the door. I nearly choked on a laugh as I climbed in. âWhat?â she said innocently when I shut the door. âHe deserved it.â