Just a Friend, Just a Lie

I couldn't look away from the explicit photos filling the giant screen.

Years ago, I trusted the wrong man. My ex-husband had posted those pictures online, and for a long time, that was all anyone saw when they looked at me.

Leon Coleman was the one who saved me from the depression that had driven me to the edge of suicide, warming my heart again little by little with his love.

"Gemma, I don't care about your past. From now on, I won't let anyone hurt you again."

I believed him.

It took me three years to open my heart again, warmed by what I thought was love. Somewhere along the way, I started thinking about marriage again.

For three months straight, I dreamed about this day, about walking down the aisle in a white dress and finally stepping into something that felt like happiness.

I never thought Allison Fleming could destroy it with a few photos.

The groomsmen noticed how pale I had gone and rushed to smooth things over.

"Allison's been one of us for years. That's just how she is. No filter."

"She doesn't mean anything by it. You chose to take those pictures. If you weren't ashamed of them then, why are you ashamed now? Just let it go."

Those photos should have been gone.

Instead, Allison had put them up here for everyone to see.

I let out a quiet laugh. "She ruined my wedding, and you're saying she doesn't mean anything?"

Their expressions tightened at once.

Allison stepped forward with reddened eyes, hitting her chest like she was owning it.

"Fine! If you're mad, take it out on me. Leon's one of us. What's wrong with us looking out for him? Better than letting him marry just anyone."

Her gaze flicked over me, light and dismissive.

"We just wanted everyone to get a good look. I still don't get what he sees in used goods like you."

My hands trembled.

Allison sighed, like she was the only reasonable one in the room.

"I told you, women like her are a pain. It's just a few photos, and she's still making a scene. Don't get married, guys. We're better off sticking together."

A laugh slipped out before I could stop it. "Then why doesn't he just marry you?"

The color drained from her face.

Leon stepped in front of her without hesitation.

"Gemma, that's enough. Allison's just looking out for me. She's not as sensitive as you, and she doesn't play those games. There's no need to push it this far."

I held his gaze.

Our wedding had turned into a spectacle, the room buzzing with whispers and speculation, and he was defending her.

Allison threw an arm around a few of the guys and grinned. "Alright, that's enough. It's Leon's big day. Do me a favor and let it go. Tonight, we're drinking until we drop!"

Leon looked at her with open indulgence.

Tonight was supposed to be our wedding night.

What she meant was obvious, and what hurt more was that he didn't object.

As the whispers behind me grew louder, I turned to leave.

Leon caught my hand, his voice softening. "Gemma, Allison's already let it go. Don't be petty, okay? You're the only one I love. You're the only one I'm marrying. Don't make a big deal out of this."

He stood there with one hand in his pocket, completely at ease, like none of this mattered.

He was sure that I wouldn't leave, that I loved him too much.

My hand drifted to my stomach, still flat beneath the dress.

This time, I really wanted to walk away.