Page 13 of The Contract Marriage

Not for much longer.

I flex and unflex my hands. I can almost taste victory. Vengeance will absolutely be mine.

The door to my office opens with a squeak. Several people mentioned I should spray it with WD-40, but I declined. I don’t want to be caught unaware when somebody’s entering my space.

I glance up at Simon Voss, my trusty assistant. Since it’s the weekend, he’s in a casual burgundy polo shirt, worn jeans and sneakers. His dirty blond hair is down, which would give him a boyish charm if it weren’t for the furrowed lines between his eyebrows. What a waste. He’d look much more handsome if he smiled more. He takes in my white dress, and his frown deepens.

“Brielle and Tyler got their marriage license yesterday.”

“Did they?” I flip open an unlabeled manila folder, then toss my own license I got with my “fiancé” into the trash.

Simon’s eyes follow the paper until it comes to rest on top of an old fast-food burger wrapper. “That’s it? You’re just going to step aside?”

“I have my reasons.” Simon isn’t likely to betray me, but then I didn’t think my exes would, either…until they did. He’s been very loyal, but he also hasn’t been tested by Brielle. And I don’t dare take any risks, not when I’m so close. I gesture for him to sit down since I’m tired of craning my neck.

He exhales roughly. “You can’t let Brielle take your groom and publicly humiliate you at your own wedding.”

I lower my eyes briefly as though in pain. “They’re in love.”

“She’s doing this on purpose!” He slashes the air with his hand.

“I can’t force Tyler to love me.” My plan for justice will fail if she’s aware Tyler is my Trojan horse.

“Screw him. You should lay down the law.”

I shake my head slowly. “I don’t want to fight with her over a man. I have my dignity.”

Simon looks away, but I can tell he doesn’t like it.

“Did you make a list of suitable bachelors?”

“Not yet. It isn’t easy to find suitable candidates.”

I frown. “I’m not asking for a soulmate here, just someone to marry to stop this ticking clock. I’m almost thirty now, and having a family of my own is all I can think about.” I let out a sigh for his benefit, doing my best to hide my impatience. He doesn’t need to know every sordid detail of my personal plans. He’s been my right hand since forever, and I don’t want to lose him because he decides to take action behind my back, ostensibly to help. “I need a list before next Friday. If it pisses you off that Brielle and Tyler are disrespecting me, do your job. The best way to get over a shitty ex is meeting a better man. Help me show them that they don’t affect me.” I close the laptop and place it in my bag. “Anyway, the list, Simon. Don’t disappoint me.”

He nods, his face tight. He hates it when he fails to meet expectations.

I soften my tone. “Don’t take it personally. I know you’re trying.”

But I need him to make the list so I can pick a name. I don’t trust myself to make the selection—my mind keeps circling back to Liam ever since Tyler and I went to Kingswood Stones & Designs, and that won’t do. “Anyway, see you on Monday.”

“Have a great rest of the weekend,” Simon says softly, as I exit the office.

I check the time. A little after three—enough time to pick up the wedding bands. Tyler’s supposed to meet me there, ostensibly to maintain appearances. After all, as discreet as Kingswood Stones & Designs is, it’s not some faceless, soulless entity, but something made of people, and people talk.

Well, well, well.

I raise my eyebrow as I climb out of my Audi and spot Tyler and Brielle walking together. Aren’t they cozy? They aren’t even trying to hide anymore. Tyler must’ve bought everything Hugh, Deena and Brielle fed him. My dear sister probably slept with him, too, to show what he’s been missing from me. I haven’t slept with him. It wasn’t necessary when he’s looking to marry for money, and I only need to offload him onto my enemies. He believed me when I said I was a devout Catholic and wanted to wait until the wedding night.

I reach the door of Kingswood Stones & Designs at the same time they do. “What’s she doing here?” Gotta play the jealous, unhappy fiancée.

Tyler rolls his eyes. “What are you complaining about now? She’s your sister and maid of honor.”

“I don’t go everywhere with your best man.”

“Jesus, Olivia, stop nitpicking everything I do. What’s wrong with me getting close to your family?”

“Don’t you think you’re being a little too close?”