007

DEREK

The vows were done. The wedding was over.

People clapped, smiled, raised their glasses like this was a real love story. Like we were the perfect couple.

It wasn’t real. None of it was.

My mom looked so happy as she talked to people around.

Should I call this her wish? Maybe yes, it has happened.

Next head… for the company.

There was a small celebration after the church ceremony. Just enough music and champagne to make it feel like a proper wedding. I stood there for a while, quiet, watching people laugh and talk.

I didn’t want to be there. I was trying to avoid everyone and everything but as you know, that's impossible.

I didn’t want to answer questions or pretend I cared about what flavor the cake was. I just needed a break from the noise.

I started looking around for Rose.

If people saw us together, maybe they’d stop asking so many questions. I just wanted to get through the day without another fake smile.

Then I saw her.

She was standing by the corner, talking to her mom.

Her head was a little low. She wasn’t smiling. She rubbed her eyes with her fingers. Then she looked at me. Her eyes were red. Teary.

She was crying.

And for some reason, that did something to me.

I couldn't explain why I felt that way but that feeling was one I've been controlling for years not to show. I hated it.

I didn't go to Rose either. She was staring daggers at me.

I just stared for a second, kept my face still, then turned around and walked out of the room.

I needed air. I needed quiet. I needed to breathe.

But of course, I couldn’t have that either.

“So, you finally decided to marry,” a voice said.

I stopped walking.

Oscar.

I didn’t even need to look. That voice always had a way of pulling the anger right out of me.

I turned my head and saw him standing there, all dressed up like he belonged. His suit was perfect, his hair slicked back, and that stupid smile on his face like he was proud of something.

“Of course,” I said, keeping my voice flat.

He took a few steps closer, acting like we were about to catch up over drinks.

“You didn’t even think to ask me to be your best man,” he said, smiling wide. “Rico? Really?”

“It’s my wedding,” I said. “I picked who I wanted.”

I didn’t explain myself. I didn’t owe him anything.

God, just hearing his voice made my stomach turn.

I hated talking to Oscar. Everything he said came with a little blade tucked inside. He never missed a chance to dig.

And just like that, he leaned in again.

“Your bride doesn’t really look like she belongs in the billionaire world.”

My jaw tightened.

I didn’t stop. I walked past him, shoulder brushing his just enough to make a point.

“Mind your own damn business,” I muttered.

And I kept walking.

I shouldn’t have come outside.

Talking to Oscar already ruined the little peace I had left. He always knew how to push the right buttons. He didn’t even have to try. The moment I saw him smirking in the corner, I knew the day would take a turn.

And of course, it did.

I was still walking, jaw tight, replaying his voice in my head when Rico stepped in front of me like he’d been waiting.

“Why is your face stiff like cement?” he asked. “You just got married, not arrested.”

I didn’t say anything. I kept walking.

Rico followed, not getting the hint. “Are you just going to walk around all day looking like someone pissed in your drink?”

Still, I didn’t answer. My eyes moved past him. Oscar was still standing there, talking to some investor like he didn’t just try to ruin my mood.

Rico followed my line of sight. He saw who I was staring at and clicked his tongue.

“Oh, that idiot,” he said, then turned back to me. “Should I just kill him off?”

I stopped and looked at him.

I didn’t know what kind of person throws out those words so easily. I wasn’t sure if he was joking or serious probably somewhere in between.

Rico shrugged and smacked my shoulder lightly. “Relax, I’m joking. You really think I’d kill your brother on your wedding day? I have better timing than that.”

I gave him a look. He just grinned.

“Come on,” he added. “Smile. It’s your wedding. The least you can do is look like you didn’t just get dragged out of a coffin.”

“Get out of my face,” I muttered.

Rico threw his head back and laughed. “There he is,” he said as he walked away.

I stayed there for a few seconds, breathing slow. I needed the noise to stop. I needed the day to end.

Later, Rose came out, standing by the side exit. She looked worn out. Her lipstick had faded, and her hair was no longer in the perfect curls the stylists had forced on her. But she still held herself up like she had no choice.

She looked at me. I looked at her. We didn’t say anything.

“Ready?” I asked finally.

She nodded once. Her voice was quiet. “Yeah.”

I moved my hand slightly to signal the guards. They opened the doors.

And just like I expected—flashing lights. Cameras. Dozens of voices shouting at the same time.

“Mr. Rivera! One smile for the camera!”

“Rose! Look this way!”

“How does it feel to marry one of the richest men in the city?”

Security pushed them back, forming a tight path around us.

Rose walked beside me, her head low. I didn’t touch her. We didn’t hold hands. We just walked through the mess like we’d rehearsed it a hundred times.

Just a few more steps and we’d be inside the car.

Almost there.

One loud voice broke through the noise.

“Mrs. Derek… are you happy about this marriage?”

Rose stopped walking.

And slowly… she turned around and my heart instantly dropped to my chest.

Why did she stop?