Chapter 1

Ahern Hotel, Kelmark

The call cut to a busy signal. When I tried again—blocked.

Noah Robisch knew this was just one of Freya Gerth's little chaos bombs. And of course, he went along with it, eating up the drama, as long as I stayed in my lane.

Down below, the stares felt like bricks piling on my chest.

I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood, blinking fast to keep it together.

Guests started trickling out. I could feel it—this was turning into a total disaster. Just like the last two.

I grabbed the mic and steadied my voice.

"The wedding reception's not over. Please, take your seats."

Gasps hit instantly.

"She's lost it."

"So desperate. Noah ditched her and she's still hanging on?"

"Like, what kind of wedding has no groom? Does she think walking through it solo's gonna win him back? He was never gonna marry her."

I took a breath, my knuckles white around the mic.

"If the groom bailed, we'll get another. Who wants to marry me? Right now."

The room exploded.

No one moved.

"Ten years with Noah? Probably used up. Who'd want her?"

"Sure, maybe for a quick hook-up. But marry her? Nah."

Every word felt like a slap. I started to sink—then someone snatched the mic from me.

"I will."

I looked up.

Johan Jaunez.

Noah's friend. The one who never even looked my way.

I froze.

Still burned in my brain—Noah faking sick just to impress Freya. His friends texted me in a panic, I rushed over... and ended up locked in a freezer all night. My knees still throb when it rains.

Then there was the river thing. Freezing water, on my period, him yelling at me to keep fishing. And that time he ditched me in the woods during a thunderstorm, like I was some stray.

Johan never joined their games. Sometimes, he even stuck up for me.

But fear twisted in my gut. What if this was just another one of Noah's setups?

Still, the crowd's taunts hit harder.

"Someone's really marrying her? Even trash gets picked up, huh?"

"She's bluffing. One wink from Noah and she'll be crawling back."

I looked at Johan. Jaw tight.

"If you're serious... I'll do it."

***

By noon, Johan and I were married. By afternoon, we had the license.

I stared at our photo on the certificate, totally out of it.

That's when it finally hit me—Noah and I were done.

Johan glanced over, voice dry.

"If you wanna back out, we can split."

I sniffed, swallowed the lump in my throat.

"No regrets. Come on, honey. Let's go on our honeymoon."

He paused, like he didn't expect me to be this sure.

He'd seen it all—me chasing Noah like some hopeless fan for ten years. And I knew exactly what Noah's crew thought of me.

Pathetic. Thirsty. Used.

They said it straight to my face.

Noah never cared. As long as Freya's wine was right and the AC wasn't too cold for her, he was good.

Maybe I should've let go ages ago. Maybe that one 'thank you' from him back then wasn't worth everything I gave up.

Then my phone buzzed.

[Adelyn, I'm borrowing Noah for a few days. I'll return him soon.]

[Sorry I missed your wedding today. I'll be sure to send blessings next time!]

Freya's third victory lap. Promise to crash the next one too.

Back then, every time Noah bailed, I'd lose it. Cry, scream, fall apart. He'd just shrug.

"Freya's the most important person to me. She's like a sister. If that's a problem, we're done."

And I'd always cave. Always swallowed it.

But now, staring at the pic she sent, I sent her a message and blocked her.

[No need, Ms. Gerth. He's all yours. I'm out.]