CHAPTER THIRTY

I walk over to the altar and right up to Max, who's as shocked as I've ever seen anyone. He looks as surprised as I felt when I heard he and Jacklyn were getting married today.

"Victoria, what are you doing here?" he says.

"I'm here to save you," I say.

"From what," he says, "you do realize this is my wedding day, right? What are you saving me from, exactly? The chance at being happy?"

"I'm just keeping you from making a big mistake," I say.

"I think I'm the best judge of that," he says.

"I know, but I can't just stand by and let this happen," I say. "You were about to marry the wrong woman."

"Victoria, I don't want to talk about this," he says. "You're not invited here."

His words are harsh and his tone strong, but there's something in his eyes that tells me he's happy I'm. here. That maybe he was even hoping I would come.

I stare at him, not knowing what to say, and then I turn to Jacklyn, who's gaping at me in shock.

"Victoria, you need to get out of here," Max says. "I've