Page 2 of The Contract Marriage

The light in Olivia’s eyes dims and a needle pierces my heart. She was never an overly friendly person, even back in college, but she always held herself with dignity—her back straight and eyes bright and clear. But here she’s being overshadowed, made to feel small at her own wedding jewelry selection, and a deep loathing for Tyler and Brielle simmers in my gut.

Olivia shouldn’t feel like an extra. She’s the star.

“Tyler,” Olivia says tightly. “Can you please take a look at these designs? We need to make a decision soon.” She finally turns to look at me. “We have to decide pretty quickly, right? You’ll need some time to make everything.”

“Yes, at least four weeks.” I try to sound neutral because she’s a client. I don’t need Tyler’s business, but sending them elsewhere would result in the same kind of humiliation for her. I’d rather keep her close, so I can be a buffer if possible. “It’s best we use our time productively,” I add pointedly for Tyler’s benefit. “So we can accommodate Olivia’s preferences.”

Tyler nods vacantly, completely distracted. But then Brielle’s hand is on his knee now. She’s gliding it up and down, each glide taking her fingers closer to his crotch. Although her face is tilted toward Tyler, her eyes are on Olivia. A dare blazes in her moss-green gaze. So what you gonna do about it?

What the hell is wrong with this girl? And what the hell is wrong with him? He has the best woman in the world, and he’s letting that trash touch him?

I open my mouth, but Olivia’s wooden voice cuts in. “Well… I guess if you want me to make the decisions on everything—”

“Exactly, we aren’t really needed here,” Brielle interjects, and turns to the worthless man. “Hey, Tyler, I’m starving. I totally spaced out and forgot to grab lunch. Could you buy me something to eat? I forgot my credit card.”

“Can’t have you going hungry,” he says, his fingers brushing against Brielle’s ass as they stand.

My hands clenched into fists, I glance at Olivia. She merely watches them, her face pale now. Her eyes cloud—with pain and defeat. Having grown up with parents like mine, I’m familiar with the feeling, and I hate it that she is, too.

“Sure,” she says finally, sighing. “Why don’t you buy her something to eat?”

Brielle beams. “Let’s go! Olivia says it’s fine. I’m sure she’ll choose good stuff. It’s not like we have to be here.”

“Okay,” Tyler says, his hand on her back. If Olivia weren’t here, he’d take Brielle’s hand. “Thanks, love.” He carelessly flings the words over a shoulder at Olivia as if she’s his servant.

They leave. Silence descends in the salon. The air clears. But my heart continues to beat uncomfortably, as though it can’t find its footing. Olivia shifts, and her beautiful eyes collide with mine. The churning in my mind stills. When she locks me in like this, I feel like the only person in the world who matters.

“Are they always…?” I ask finally, unable to stop myself.

“Yes.” She blinks away unshed tears.

I start to reach out, then stop. She’s engaged. Even if her fiancé is a piece of shit, unless she’s willing to leave him, there isn’t much I can do except treat her with the respect and kindness she deserves. But raw fury claws at me, and my voice grows sharp. “If they’re like this in front of you, they’re worse behind your back.”

She closes her eyes briefly. “Maybe. But I love him.”

I clench my teeth to hold back a sharp exhale. Jealousy and injustice burn in my veins like acid, and it’s all I can do to maintain a smile.

How can a woman as beautiful and brilliant as her be so blind as to fall for somebody like Tyler—especially when I would’ve laid the world at her feet? It’s as though the universe is punishing me for not having made a move sooner, but I was determined to become someone worthy when I graduated college.

I study her face. I’ve been unable to forget her since the moment I saw her on the first day of freshman calculus. Something like surprise and appreciation flickered across her expression, as though she found me fascinating. The moment salved the old wound inside me, and I stood a little taller, unable to look away as my heart rate picked up. I didn’t want to blink—breaking contact for even a millisecond felt like too big of a risk to take.

She glances at the door. Tyler’s shameless behavior with her sister must be more painful than she’s letting on. But what kind of bride could put up with that?

“You can do better, Olivia. I know you. I’ve seen you,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “You were always so focused. Broke the curve.”

Her eyes warm a little. “So did you.” A small sigh. “That was a long time ago.”

“Twelve years.”

“Yeah. But you remember it.”

“I remember everything.” About you and every class and project we did together.

“I remember a lot about you, too,” she says quietly, but doesn’t elaborate, much to my disappointment. It’d be nice to have some confirmation that she liked me back then—and that she realizes how insufferable Tyler is after seeing me again.

“Can we discuss the designs? Since Tyler isn’t…willing, I guess it’s up to me. Why don’t you sit here? Easier to look things over this way.” She pats the spot where Tyler was.

Trying not to show anything on my face, I lower myself next to her. Why can’t I just replace Tyler in her heart and life? We’re close enough that her body heat seeps into me. The years have matured her, in a good way. Without Tyler and Brielle’s toxic presence, she seems calmer and more settled.