Chapter 3

3

The next morning, Maya was still at the hospital, claiming she didn't feel well.

Today was supposed to be our wedding photoshoot.

I didn't bring it up. I had no intention of showing up to the wedding anyway.

When I woke up, I had several missed calls from her.

I called her back, and she immediately started barking orders.

"I've moved the photography team to the hospital. We'll shoot here."

"When you come over, bring some homemade soup for me."

I blinked, stunned by her audacity. "Okay," I whispered.

The hospital room was buzzing with energy when I arrived.

Maya had hired a full glam squad and a team of photographers.

She looked at me and gave a flimsy excuse. "Kieran has the same build as you."

"I'm letting him try on your tuxedo first so you can rest."

Kieran gave me a mocking look. "I don't mind helping out. I've got plenty of time."

He was wearing the suit Maya designed―the one that never quite fit me right.

I didn't say a word. I knew I wouldn't be at the altar anyway.

I stood there and watched as they took "hospital-themed" wedding photos together.

After the shoot, Maya checked herself out of the hospital.

"Let's go. We're going to a family dinner." I didn't even bother asking where.

In the car, Kieran handed me a box of almond shortbread cookies.

"Sorry about yesterday, Quentin. I shouldn't have worn your ring. This is an apology."

I didn't take them. I looked at Maya.

She didn't react at all, as if she had forgotten I was deathly allergic to almonds.

"Just take them. Ryker brought them all the way from Europe."

"He's apologizing. Don't be so immature. Just accept the gesture."

Maya knew exactly how dangerous almonds were for me.

Years ago, she used to bring them back as gifts all the time.

One time, she got annoyed that I kept refusing and shoved one into my mouth.

I ended up in the ER, struggling to breathe.

She had cried and promised she would never let an almond near me again.

Now, she had forgotten everything just to keep her precious Kieran happy.

To stop her from nagging, I took a bite of one cookie.

Within minutes, my face broke out in a thick, itchy rash.

Maya stared at me, finally remembering.

"Quentin, if you can't eat almonds, why didn't you say something? Why are you acting like a martyr?"

She sounded annoyed rather than concerned. "We have to see my mom in a few minutes."

"Thank God Kieran is coming with us, or I'd be totally humiliated."

The allergic reaction was making my head spin. I let out a bitter laugh.

Maya didn't care if I died. She only cared about appearances.

"You and Kieran go," I said quietly. "I'm not going."

Maya snapped. "What do you mean? You're making a scene again!"

"This is the pre-wedding dinner! You can't just skip it!"

She tossed a bottle of Benadryl at me. "Take this and get over it."

At the restaurant, Maya's mother was delighted to see Kieran.

"Mrs. Brooks, I brought this for you from my trip," Kieran said, handing her a gift.

She beamed at him and then scowled at me.

"Kieran is so thoughtful. He always knows what I like. Not like some people."

"Quentin, you really need to learn from him. And look at what you're wearing."

I looked down at my casual clothes and then at Maya.

She had that same look of disgust on her face.

I couldn't compare to Kieran, who was dressed to the nines and acting like a prince.

But I hadn't even been told about this dinner until we were in the car.

During the meal, Kieran was the life of the party, catering to everyone's needs.

He was pouring drinks and serving food like he was already part of the family.

Maya glanced at me and put a piece of food on my plate―something she knew I hated.

I almost laughed. I pushed the food to the side and ignored it.

The Benadryl wasn't working. I felt like my throat was closing up.

I made an excuse and walked out. Maya followed me to the door.

"Quentin, what is wrong with you? Show some respect to my parents!"

I didn't have the energy to fight. I pushed her aside and kept walking.

"If you walk away now, the wedding is off!" she screamed at my back.

She sounded so sure that I would turn around and beg for her forgiveness.

"Fine," I said. "The wedding is off. We're done."