The words hit like they always did. Clean. Precise. Like a blade he knew exactly how to use.
My chest tightened and it hurt so bad I almost laughed.
Yeah. What kind of husband said that on his wedding day?
What kind of wife agreed?
“I’m not…” I stopped, swallowing hard. “It’s not that.”
But wasn’t it?
Or was I just too tired to fight anymore?
He scoffed, running a hand through his hair. “Then what’s your problem? It’s just a damn banquet. You’ve done it before. Stand there, smile, play the part. That’s all I’m asking.”
Just stand there.
Just smile.
Just pretend like I wasn’t slowly breaking apart inside. I looked at him and for a second, I wanted to ask.
Did you ever feel even a little guilty? Did you ever look at me and think I was your wife? But the words died before they could leave my mouth.
Because I already knew the answer.
Five years ago, when our families announced the marriage, I thought I’d been given everything. I’d liked him for so long. Longer than I wanted to admit. So when I heard I was going to marry Hudson Hayes, I thought… maybe this was fate.
Maybe he’d learn to love me.
I was so stupid.