Chapter 1
Everett Vaughn chased me for three years–everyone said he was madly in love with me.]
Just recently, I finally said yes to his proposal.[]
But the night before our wedding, I overheard something I was never supposed to hear.]
“Sloane Mercer? She’s as dull as drywall. If it weren’t for the mission, I wouldn’t even look at her.“[]
“Once I secure the wedding, the second it’s done, I’m dumping her ass.“[]
I pretended I didn’t hear a thing.[]
I played along–right up until the wedding.
Then I walked away without looking back.[]
Later, my friend told me that cold, composed Professor Vaughn lost it for the first time–right there in front of a whole room full of stunned guests.
D
–|
Everett always wore that calm, untouchable mask in public.]
So when I saw him holding hands with another woman, smiling like a goddamn fairytale, I froze.
The wedding was just days away.
I’d just stepped out of the bridal boutique, still half–floating from trying on my gown.]]
Then I got in my car–and saw him.[]
My fiancé. Everett Vaughn.[]
The same Everett who’d told me he was too busy with work to meet today.
Now he was standing on a crowded downtown sidewalk…]
Making out with some girl like the world didn’t even exist.[]
It was like someone dumped a bucket of ice water over me.[]
Two hours ago, he held me and said I was the only woman he’d ever love.[]
Now he was kissing someone else like I never even existed.
I couldn’t believe my eyes.[]
I don’t know how long I sat there, staring like a ghost.
Eventually, my hand moved on its own–I called him.[]
A few feet away, Everett flinched at the ringtone.
His smile vanished, jaw tightening just a bit.
Still, he answered.
“Hey, babe,” he said, voice soft as ever. .0
Chapter 1
“Miss me already?“]]
It was the same charming voice I’d fallen for.[]
My heart twisted so hard I thought it might split open. My mind was blank.]
“Everett… what are you doing right now?“]
He chuckled, low and warm. Like everything was fine.
“Just wrapped up a lecture, sweetheart.“]]
“Was about to grab that cake you love. Be home soon, okay?”
He sounded so natural. Not a crack in his act.[]
Then–he reached over and ran his fingers through the other girl’s hair.
So casually. So gently.
I watched them, numb, tears sliding down my cheeks before I could stop them.]
I’d thought Everett was the answer to the broken pieces of my life.[]
I thought he was my safe place, my ending.]
But this?
This was never love.
It was a goddamn lie.[]
He chased me for three years.
And under a rain of flowers and applause, I said yes.[]
I thought it was forever.
Turned out it was all just a setup.
It took me a long time to find my voice.
“Sure,” I whispered. “I’ll be waiting.”
L
(0)
”
