Chapter 1

My cousin was obsessed with "testing" my boyfriends.

No matter how hard I resisted, she reveled in it.

She'd charm them, then dump them, telling everyone my taste in men sucked.

When she pulled her usual stunt again, she had no idea it was a trap, custom-made just for her.

And she had no choice but to fall right into it.

My cousin, Zara, has been divorced for three years, still living it up on a hefty alimony check from her ex.

One day she's dating models, the next she's going for younger guys, always busy, always having fun.

Lately, she's found a new target: Julian, my boyfriend of six months.

I wasn't surprised she found him so quickly. My mom came to my apartment to pick something up and ran into him.

My mom, her biggest flaw in life is her obsession with keeping up appearances.

Zara married well, and even after her divorce, she has endless alimony. Plus, Carol never misses a chance to brag about Zara in front of Mom.

So, for me to marry a man even better than Zara's ex-husband has become Mom's mantra.

And my lack of progress has become her constant worry.

Julian and I met at a bar. I spotted him in the crowd instantly, and it took me over six months to finally win him over.

He's younger than my cousin's ex, hotter, and even richer.

Didn't that just play right into my mom's hands?

She immediately broadcast the news in the family group chat, even sending a money transfer to announce my impending marriage.

I saw it and felt so helpless. I sent a waving hand emoji in the chat.

"Not that serious, guys. No need to make a big deal."

Mom immediately shot back with a photo in the chat. "Looking like that, carrying that kind of bag – and you're not serious?"

Zara popped up. "Wow, where did Cassie find such a catch? Want your big sister to test him out for you?"

I didn't say anything, but I knew whether I wanted her to or not, she'd try.

This time, though, I was ready.