Chapter 3

3.

Instead, I opened Instagram.

Declan’s story: A photo of a hospital room, Sienna’s foot wrapped in bandages. Caption: "Long night. Here for a friend."

The comments were full of "You're such a good guy!" and "Sienna is lucky to have you!" and "#FriendshipGoals."

I felt... nothing.

No jealousy. No anger. Just... empty.

Then I saw Harper’s story. A photo of me from three years ago at Dolores Park, sun shining, laughing.

Caption: "To new beginnings. You deserve better, @LilyVance. And girl, you got better. ????"

I smiled and texted her.

"You posted that?"

"Hell yes I did! The world needs to know you upgraded."

"Harp..."

"What? It's a fact! Julian Thorne > Declan Sterling, any day of the week. Not just the bank account. The man looks at you like you hung the moon."

"Does he?"

"Girl. Everyone knows. Apparently except you."

I bit my lip, typing:

"I married him today."

Three dots. Then:

"YOU ARE JOKING"

"LILLIAN MARIE VANCE"

"YOU MARRIED JULIAN THORNE AND DIDN'T TELL ME?!"

"I'M COMING OVER"

"Don't. See you at the wedding tomorrow. 2 PM."

"THERE'S STILL A WEDDING?!"

"Long story. I'll explain tomorrow."

"You better! God, I need a dress. Wait. What's the dress code? Please tell me it's not that ugly bridesmaid dress Declan picked out."

I laughed out loud.

"Definitely not. Wear something gorgeous. At Julian’s place."

"His place. Jesus Christ, Lily. You really upgraded."

Yeah. I guess I did.

The next day, 1 PM.

I stood in front of the mirror, looking at myself.

Monique Lhuillier. Ivory silk, simple but elegant. Not the dress Declan and I designed―the one Sienna ruined―but a new one. One that felt like... me.

Harper stood behind me, eyes red.

"You look freaking amazing."

"Language," Mom said, but she was wiping tears too.

"I can't believe this is happening," I said. "Yesterday I was marrying Declan, and today..."

"Today you're marrying the right guy," Harper said firmly. "Big difference."

A knock on the door.

Dad poked his head in. "Ready, princess?"

I took a deep breath. "Yeah. I'm ready."

Julian’s estate in Woodside sat high on a hill, overlooking the entire Bay Area.

The wedding was set up in the backyard. Simple but breathtaking―string lights between ancient oaks, white roses and hydrangeas everywhere, a small arch facing the valley.

Intimate. Maybe fifty people.

Only the people who actually mattered.

Marcus handed me a glass of champagne. "Nervous?"

"Terrified," I admitted.

"Don't be. The man inside?" He pointed toward the house. "He's been preparing for this moment for six years."

Music started. Pachelbel's Canon.

Dad linked his arm with mine. "You sure, baby girl?"

I looked toward the arch.

Julian stood there. Dark gray suit, white rose boutonniere. The way he looked at me...

God.

Like I was the only person on Earth.

"Yeah, Dad. I'm sure."