Chapter 6: Summer’s POV

I let mockery drip into my voice. “That’s it? How petty. Fine, I’ll play your game, Adrian, but not for free.”

My insides squirmed, and I fought to keep the hurt and shame from showing on my face.

My ex-husband lifted his chin. This was the language he understood. Derision. Cruelty. Transactions. “What do you want?”

“After the wedding, you’re gone. You will cut all ties with me and my son. You won’t be Cyan’s father, and you will never see him again.” If only he knew how much it ripped me apart to say that.

Adrian was silent for a moment, then finally nodded.

Sabrina rose and walked towards Cyan and me. She reached out, and Cy squealed, hiding his face in my shirt.

“I don’t understand why you’re so afraid.” She withdrew her hand, pressing it to her chest. “I’m the one you attacked. You know, Lily’s been having nightmares, and my face still itches. It's like this boy’s put a curse on us.”

I stared at her for a moment, unable to process what she said. “Are you completely insane?”

“Since it was your son who ruined my face, you should make it up to me by taking over the planning.” She had said, pressing her almond tipped nails to her cheek. “If you mess it up, I’m sure Adrian will forgive you.” By that, she meant he would punish me.

Cy was wriggling in my arms, on the verge of another meltdown. He squealed in distress.

Adrian

stood. “Enough of this. We’re leaving.” 

He held out his hand to Sabrina, and she took it as she cast one last hateful look at us.

…

The soft trill of the orchestra played as Jennifer fitted bobby pins into my hair. Spread out in front of us on the vanity was a litany of make-up, along with the spare phone and planner Sabrina had foisted on me two weeks ago.

I sat in a tiny dressing room that might also serve as a closet. A thousand things were on my mind, but mostly I assured myself: After today, it’s over. We get our fresh start.

“So I heard this rumor last night while I was checking in.” Jen said as she fitted a braided strand of my auburn hair into the bun at the back.

“Hmm?” I said, not really paying attention.

“Some bigwig was saying Adrian had a secret marriage and a child. Apparently he also rescued this random company on the verge of bankruptcy. Word has it the head bridesmaid is actually his secret wife.” 

My friend’s green eyes sparked as I watched her reflection in the mirror. Rumors, instability in the company, these were all tools she could use to tear Adrian apart in court. 

“That’s not all. Whitmore’s stock has been all over the place the last few weeks. That guy said it’s from all the gossip, and this wedding is just a PR move to shut everyone up. Apparently your involvement is a tactic to sell the story. Dispel all the rumors.”

My chest ached at the words. I couldn’t believe the truth was so absurd, and that all my years of love for Adrian had been so meaningless.

It was all a game to him. I was just a piece on the board. Expendable.

“Never mind all that,” I said, gazing down at my son, who ran a toy car along the floor. “Just promise me you’ll take care of Cy while I get this done.”

Jen hugged me. “I’ve got him. We’ll order pizza and stay in my room.”

I laughed. The Estaire wasn’t normally a place people had pizza delivered to, but then Jen only followed the rules so she could bend them. 

I stood, smoothing my dusty pink dress down. I frowned. Sabrina had picked the dress out on her own, selecting a silhouette that did everything it could to highlight my mom-body.

At least the shoes were my choice. They glimmered with iridescent stones, the heels high enough to give me a boost but not uncomfortable.

Heads turned as the ushers opened the carved oak doors to let me in.

The ceremony hall was like something out of a movie. A lush red carpet stretched along the aisle, leading up to a gleaming altar embellished with fat pink roses and lilies. Ornate floor-to-ceiling windows cut the light into fractals that bathed the audience.

I dropped my shoulders, carrying my spray of baby’s breath and ignoring all the eyes burning holes into me.

This is for Cyan. The doctor had said improving on his regression would take time and cost a lot. I’ll get the money I need to pay for his treatment. Adrian will leave us alone. 

One step. Two. Light passed over my body as I walked towards the altar to the tune of the march. Sabrina must not be far behind.

The train of my dress caught. On what? Probably someone’s shoe. I went sprawling.

The music cut and a hush fell over the hall. The audience leaned out of their seats to watch me push up on my knees.

People whispered: 

“That’s her…”

“Shhh.”

“The rumors can’t be true. Why would Whitmore—”

“Obvious, isn’t it? Dress the secret wife up in a bridesmaid dress and parade her around just to show there’s nothing between them.”

“Have you seen the bride though? With taste like that, there’s no way the CEO would even look at her.”

“I agree. Up close she’s just…underwhelming.”

I struggled back to my feet, holding my head high, only to realize the woman who had stepped on my dress still stood on it. Mousy brown hair, perfectly coiffed, big brown eyes. Lavender sheath dress.

Helena McKendry, heir to the McKendry group and jealous of me since kindergarten, glared down at me.

“Look who it is! Summer. Weren’t you betrothed to Adrian since childhood? And now, you’re even a bridesmaid for your ‘fiancé’? How sweet.” She pressed a gloved hand to her lips in mock admiration, as if she hadn’t tripped me on purpose.

Laughter broke out among the crowd. 

I tugged at my skirt. “That was a long time ago. Adrian and I are practically strangers now.”

“What a ludicrous thing to say! You followed him around like a puppy all through grade school. Anyone could see you were over the moon for him.” Her lips quirked.

People were standing now, crowding around me. My heart beat wildly against my ribs. Trapped. I was trapped.

A man’s voice cut through their peals of laughter. “What are all of you doing surrounding my girlfriend?”

Silence. The leering guests parted, and Helena instinctively withdrew her foot.

The familiar voice… But I knew it wasn’t Adrian.

The man walked forward step by step, dark blue eyes firm, until he reached me and extended his hand.

It was Ethan.