“Let’s not ruin the evening. Come, everyone—drink up!”
Guests swarmed Colin and Piper with congratulations.
“Cheers to the happy couple!”
“Congratulations to the future Mr. and Mrs. Marks—such a perfect match!”
Colin had always said he wanted our relationship to be a “surprise.”
He never told a soul about us.
And now?
He smiled like a gentleman, standing next to Piper like she’d always been the bride.
He didn’t even try to explain.
She clung to his arm like she belonged there.
Under the glittering lights, they looked like a picture-perfect couple.
While I stood there like a wet stain on a white rug.
I let out a breathless, bitter laugh and turned to go, but a hand blocked my way.
Piper.
She smiled like she’d already won.
“Leaving so soon?” she cooed. But I haven’t told you how that old woman died.”
My heart stopped.
“What did you just say?”
She leaned in close, her voice low enough that only I could hear.
“I told her if she wanted the money back, she’d have to film herself doing something… special. You know, the kind men pay for.” She grinned. “But she got all high and mighty. She refused and even had the nerve to insult me and my mom.”
A twisted laugh.
“So I gave her what she deserved.”