Chapter 3

The wedding dress I chose was a simple, ankle-length gown. My fiancé and I had picked it out together.

I lifted my skirt and walked past Julian toward the City Hall entrance.

But he grabbed my wrist, pulling me back.

"Stop acting, Maya. Who are you trying to fool?"

"If you're really that desperate to get hitched, go inside and drag some random guy to the altar. Do me a favor and get married so you'll finally stop stalking me."

I looked at his face, feeling too exhausted to even get angry.

I just felt a profound, heavy sadness.

The Julian who used to chase down bullies just to make them apologize to me was completely gone. This stranger had taken his place.

I shook my head, trying to pull my hand away. Suddenly, a voice called out.

"Julian!"

It was Serena.

Julian instantly let go of my wrist. To prove his loyalty to her, he pulled a sanitizing wipe from his pocket and meticulously wiped his hand.

As if I were contagious.

Serena walked up, looking confused. "Julian, what are you doing here?"

Then she looked at me. "Maya? Are you getting married today? You're even wearing a wedding dress."

Julian looked around nervously. He didn't want Serena to know he had organized a bet around me.

In a panic, he grabbed Brad from his group of friends and shoved him next to me, laughing loudly.

"Serena, you're so smart! You guessed it. Today is the big day for Maya and Brad!"

"We all came out here to support them and wish them well."

His friends instantly caught on and chimed in.

"Yeah, Serena! We're celebrating Maya and Brad today!"

I looked at Brad—who was shorter than me and wearing a greasy, stupid grin—and felt a wave of nausea.

Seeing that Serena was still skeptical, Julian pushed Brad and me toward the doors.

"Go on, go get registered! Serena wants to see!"

I stumbled forward from his push. Brad actually had the audacity to grab my hand.

He whispered in my ear, "Look, Maya, Julian's never going to want you. But you've got a nice face and a decent body. I guess we could make it work."

I lost it. I ripped my hand away from his greasy grip and leaned against the wall, dry-heaving.

Julian immediately mocked, "Oh my god, Maya. Are you pregnant? Is this a shotgun wedding?"

"Brad, you dog! Nice job!"

Serena joined in, her face beaming with fake sweetness.

"Maya, I was so worried about your love life. I had no idea you'd find a husband and get pregnant so quickly. Congratulations!"

I stood straight and looked coldly at Julian, who was still laughing hysterically.

"You're right," I said quietly. "I am getting married today. But not to any of you losers. My fiancé is inside getting our queue number. Save your congratulations for him."

Julian's laughter died instantly.