Chapter 1

On the eve of my engagement party to my fiancé, Brooks, our friends put together a "Mystery Box Game."

Each guy put a gift inside a box, and the girls drew them at random.

When I opened mine, there was only a thin slip of paper inside: [Thank you for participating.]

Brooks rubbed my hair gently. "Still as unlucky as ever, babe."

Bryant, my best friend since kindergarten, lowered his voice too. "It’s just a game, Alice. Don’t let it ruin your night."

Then it was Michelle’s turn. She opened her box.

Inside was a pink diamond necklace Brooks had personally picked out, and a voucher for a couple's getaway to Maui—a trip I had been begging Brooks to take me on for three years.

There was also a card written by Bryant: [We will always protect you.]

I forced a tight smile and set my empty box back on the table.

It was just a lucky draw, right? It was all about luck.

Until I went to the restroom and overheard the coordinator in the lounge checking the guest list. "Mr. Brooks, did we distribute the boxes correctly?"

"The one with the gifts goes to Miss Michelle. The empty one goes to Miss Alice."

Brooks gave a casual "Yeah."

Bryant chimed in with a chuckle, "Perfect."

Standing outside the door, I quietly tore the paper slip into pieces.

I’m canceling the wedding.

This little game of luck they rigged? I’m not playing anymore.