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“Where are we going?” I ask, allowing him to guide me out of the garden.
“How about a drink? The ceremony might be canceled, but the bar is still set up. Someone has to drink the alcohol.”
We weave our way down the garden path back to where the tables are set up. Enrique is right: the guests have already gathered around the bar. This may not be a wedding anymore, but it has turned into a party — even though it’s a dark and disturbing one.
As we order bourbons from the bartender, I think about Lily, about how she deserves so much better than what she’s been dealt today. And deep down, I know that if given the chance, I would do everything in my power to make her happy. Because while I may be a playboy prince, I refuse to let that be the only thing that defines me.
CHAPTER 5
LILY
I glance around the luxurious limo, my temporary refuge. I want to sink into the seat and disappear, but I can’t stay here forever. And I can’t use it to get away from the scene, as I don’t have the keys.
With a deep breath, I cautiously peek out the window and see that the coast is clear. My parents are nowhere to be seen.
“Okay, girls.” I turn to my three friends, their bridesmaid dresses a stark reminder of what could have been. “I can’t stay in here any longer. We need to make a run for it.”
“What’s the plan?” Bethany asks.
“I go inside and change.” I pause. I haven’t really thought about what comes next. “I just want to get out of this dress.”
They nod, determined expressions on their faces. They know how much I want to avoid any unnecessary attention right now.
As we step out of the limo, they form a protective shield around me, but people from the event still catch glimpses of me and try to approach. I cringe as I hear murmurs of sympathy and disapproval.
“Excuse us,” Anna says, her voice firm as she guides us through the crowd. We’re almost there when Rick’s parents appear. My heart skips a beat. This is the last interaction I want right now.
“Goodness, Lily,” Rick’s mother says, her eyes filled with concern. “I’m so, so sorry about all of this.”
Rick’s father looks livid. “That boy… How dare he do this to you, Lily? We’ll make sure he pays for his actions.”
I swallow hard, trying to appreciate their sentiment. But all I can think about is how I hate being the center of attention over such an embarrassing matter. I force a weak smile onto my face.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“Stay strong, dear,” Rick’s mother says, patting me on the shoulder.
“Come on, let’s move,” Bethany urges, gripping my arm.
All I want right now is to escape the judging eyes and whispers around me.
I just need a moment to breathe. A moment alone. Even having my friends around right now feels like too much.
“I appreciate you all.” I stop once we reach the front steps. “I just need a little time. I’ll be down soon.”
They nod in understanding. Picking up my skirt, I push the door open and cross over the threshold.
Inside the house that I spent my childhood weekends at, I rush up the grand staircase. I need to escape, to find a moment of solitude to process everything that has happened.
Finding the room where I changed into my wedding dress earlier, I hurriedly push open the door and shut it behind me, leaning against it for support. This space feels like a sanctuary, away from the chaos and judgment of the people below.
With trembling hands, I begin to undo the intricate buttons of my wedding gown, each one coming undone like the fragile threads of my former life. I let the heavy fabric fall to the floor, pooling around my feet in a sea of white silk and lace. My heart aches as I step out of it, but at the same time, it’s a relief. I don’t think I would have been able to bear another moment with it on.
Quickly, I change into the jeans and T-shirt I wore earlier — simple, comfortable, familiar. They feel like armor against the storm of emotions raging inside me. As I stand there, taking a deep breath, I hear the door creak open behind me.
It’s my mom. Her movements are slow and small, her eyes red-rimmed and furious.
“I— I’m sorry,” I say. “I just needed a few minutes to myself. I needed…” I trail off, not entirely knowing what I need right now except to wake up from this nightmare.
