And now? How had the story twisted so much that I’d become the one shamelessly forcing him to marry me?
With the wedding about to start, I had no patience for an argument.
Pulling free from Gabriel’s grip, I swallowed my anger and calmly said, “Gabriel, I had no idea today was your wedding to Ellie. Besides, who you marry or whether you marry at all has nothing to do with me. Because today, I’m getting married too.”
The crowd around us erupted with laughter, loud and mocking, as if I’d just told the punchline to the most ridiculous joke.
Gabriel caught on quickly, smirking as he joined in with a derisive chuckle.
“You? Getting married? Don’t make me laugh. Who would want you?”
He sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. “A woman like you—fresh out of prison—I wouldn’t even take you as a bedwarmer. You’d bring nothing but bad luck.”
His words cut like a blade, stripping away any semblance of dignity. Emboldened by his cruelty, his friends chimed in with their own jeers.
“A bedwarmer? Not a bad idea! Gabe, if you’re done with her, let the rest of us have a turn!”
“A murderous ex-con? Now that’s a thrill! She’s probably a wild one in bed!”