Chapter 3

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to look composed. Raising the microphone, I announced, "Just a small hiccup, everyone. Please bear with us a little longer."

Then I gestured to my soaked jacket. "I'll go change. Wouldn't want my wife to see me like this."

Good thing I'd had a premonition and hadn't worn my favorite suit.

Chloe stared at me like I'd lost my mind. "Julian, you're not actually delusional, are you? I told you—this was a prank! There's no bride!"

Sarah mocked, "Even if you're embarrassed, there's no need to lie! If anyone wanted you, wouldn't I know?"

The crowd chuckled.

My relentless pursuit of Chloe was no secret.

Ashley pretended to ponder. "Maybe he's trying to make Chloe jealous? How pathetic."

Leo gently shushed them, then turned to me with fake sympathy. "Julian, this was their idea to cheer me up. I'm touched you played along."

"I know you like Chloe, but love has to be mutual…"

"A man needs dignity. Mom and Dad are here, and so are the guests. Don't drag this out."

His soft voice made me sound like the disgrace.

I glanced down and saw Mr. Harrison's furious face as he tried to calm the guests.

I took a deep breath. "Today is my wedding. My bride is on her way."

I pulled out my phone and called the first contact.

…

It rang and rang, then went to voicemail. I tried several times. No answer.

My heart sank. After all, we'd only met once.

Chloe watched, enjoying the show. "Julian, I knew you were obsessive, but I didn't know you were this good at lying to yourself."

Sarah scoffed, "Just give up. It's pathetic."

Leo looked at me, then turned to Chloe with fake concern. "Chloe, maybe you should just pretend to marry him. He looks miserable."

Chloe refused instantly. "I only did this for you, Leo. I'd never marry Julian."

She even took a step back, as if to draw a clear line between us.

Leo then glanced at Ashley.

She was quicker to refuse. "No way! I'm not doing something that humiliating!"

Watching them eagerly reject me to prove their loyalty to Leo, I suddenly remembered our senior prom. They'd both fought to be my date.

They'd competed to surprise me, just to win my attention.

My heart had long gone numb.

I couldn't stand Leo's fake sincerity.

"Don't worry," I said coldly. "I wouldn't marry either of you. I want nothing to do with you."

"My bride is someone else."

Mr. Harrison finally snapped.

He stormed up, yelling, "Julian! What is this charade? Are you trying to disgrace me?"

"Can't you be more like Leo? Do you have to prove to everyone that you're a loser who can't get a wife?!"

I stood there, humiliated, but all he cared about was his reputation.

Grandma, though, took my hand and stood firmly beside me. "My Julian doesn't lie! Please, everyone, wait a little longer."

Just then, my phone rang.

I answered.

A woman's voice, urgent yet calming, came through. "I'm so sorry, hubby. The traffic was insane, but I'm on my way."