Where did the sweet, charming guy I knew
go?
How did he become such a jerk?
I wiped my eyes and said, “I wouldn’t marry a
scumbag like you. I’m not here to steal your
thunder. I’m here to marry my husband!”
“We just happen to be at the same hotel!”
“Oh, please! That’s hilarious!”
One of the trust fund babies was practically
crying with laughter.
く
“Only the ..ch and powerful can book their
wedding here! What kind of loser do you think
you’re gonna marry? ”
Another one gave me the once over.
“I get it. A woman in her late twenties wants
to settle down.”
“Little Jake over here is taken. But my old
man might be an option!”
“You can be my dad’s new baby maker and
be my stepmom. If you give him three boys,
the Davis family will be grateful, hahaha!”
The insults kept coming.
My hands and feet turned ice cold as I looked
<
Jake used to be my neighbor.
His mom died when he was little, and my
folks took him in.
After my parents died in a car wreck, we
looked out for each other.
In high school, a group of punks ganged up
on me because I was an orphan. Jake risked
life and limb to fight them off, even though he
got seriously hurt and suspended from
school.
I asked him, with tears in my eyes, if it was
worth it?
He looked me dead in the eye and said, “Yes,
Chloe. I won’t let anyone mess with you.”
く
“I like you, Chloe. Wait for me, I’ll give you the
life you deserve.”
And now, seven years later, after a semester
abroad, he’s a different person?
“The second you dumped me, we were done,”
I said to Jake. I turned to the others.
“I’ll remember this. After my wedding, my
husband will be in touch. Each and every one
of you.”
“Oh, so threatening! Who are you gonna get
to come after us?
“The imaginary husband in your head?”
One of Jake’s friends stepped forward,
reaching for my chest.
L
“Why don‘ you marry me? I’m like Jake’s
brother from another mother. I’ll make sure
you’re taken care of. In fact, I am Jake’s Best
Man.”
“Me and Jake are so close, maybe the three
of us can have fun in the bedroom.” He
winked.
“Get away from me!”
My best friend, Jessica, came running.
“You’re all dead!”
“My friend is marrying a Kennedy. You’re
messing with the wrong girl!”
Jake froze for a second, then burst out
L
“You’re no good enough for me, let alone
Jack. And you’re a woman I’ve used!”
“Give me a break!”
Chapter 2
“The Kennedy heir? A guy we all look up to?
You’re saying you’re marrying him?”
“You’re dreaming! How could you think you’re
good enough!”
The frat boys joined in.
“The wedding’s about to start! What are you
doing out here?”