Chapter 2

A little while later, Piper called. I could hear the smirk before she even spoke.

"Bennett's gone. Didn't even last ten minutes. Didn't ask a single thing about you."

I didn't say anything.

I used to call that "being punctual."

He was on time. And he expected everyone else to be too.

But yesterday at Camilla's wedding, he left two hours early to pick her up, then spent another two hours in the receiving line blocking photographers and guests for her.

Dragged it out until the ceremony got canceled—and not once did he complain about anyone wasting his time.

Piper paused. "Lauren, does this actually surprise you?"

"No."

She went quiet for a second. "Check Camilla's socials... just don't get mad."

I laughed. "Fine. Just get here. Don't miss the reception."

I'd picked out every detail of this wedding myself—the flowers, the menu, the band's setlist.

I wanted to see it through. All of it.

After I hung up, I opened Instagram.

Camilla had just posted twice.

The first was from last night—a photo of her in a wrinkled wedding dress, sitting alone in an empty church:

[Someone got their wish. No wedding for me. He said he'd take care of me for the rest of my life, what am I supposed to do with him.]

The comments were all hearts and "aww"s from mutual friends.

Not a single person asked: she and Bennett both have partners—isn't this a little much?

The second was posted ten minutes ago. Two mirror selfies.

One in a white wedding dress. One in a gold satin gown.

[Someone drove out of his way to pick me up for his wedding. Which one should I wear? Need answers ASAP.]

I stared at the screen. I'd promised Piper I wouldn't get mad—but I still laughed. The angry kind.

He's getting married. Instead of picking up his own bride, he takes a detour to pick up another woman.

Camilla posts something like that, and he can't tell she's trying to mess with me?

Or maybe he sees it—and just doesn't care.

When Elliot's car pulled up in front of the estate, the ballroom door was cracked open.

A few scattered tables inside, mostly Bennett's friends, nursing champagne and making small talk.

The wedding planner was in the corner, head down, reviewing the schedule. When she looked up and saw me, she froze.

"Lauren?"

She walked over quickly, her eyes bouncing between me and Elliot.

"Uh... where's the groom?"

"He's right here."

My voice was flat. "Let's start."

"Now?" She checked her watch.

"The ceremony's set for six. We've still got twenty-five minutes."

"Move it up." I cut her off. "Have the officiant do the opening. Just put the rings on the table."

She opened her mouth, then thought better of it.

I was about to head toward the aisle when Elliot caught my wrist.

"Go ahead," he said under his breath. "Give me a sec."

Before I could ask, he disappeared down the hall.

Maya, one of the bridesmaids, sidled up. "Where'd he go?"

"No idea."

"He's not bailing, is he?" Maya panicked.

"Lauren, maybe don't go out there yet—what if he runs and you're standing at the altar alone—"

"He won't."

I said it out loud, but I wasn't so sure.

The band had already started playing.

I took a deep breath and stepped onto the aisle, gathering my dress.

The officiant gave the opening, the prayer, the address.

People started glancing around. The whispering got louder.

"Where's the groom?"

I stood still, eyes flicking toward the side hall.

I was running out of time.

The officiant was already moving toward the ring exchange.

Then the side door opened.

Elliot walked out.