Chapter 1

1

At my own wedding, my fiancé's childhood best friend looked him in the eye and asked a single question.

"If I were to object right now, would you run away with me?"

Without a second of hesitation, Thatcher answered, "I would."

The entire ballroom fell into a deafening silence.

Thatcher seemed to realize where he was only after the words left his mouth. He turned to me, his face pale as he tried to explain.

"Gwen, I was just joking. Don't take it seriously."

I smiled at them both, my voice steady. "Don't apologize. I was actually about to congratulate you two. I hope you have a long life together and plenty of kids."

The room went even quieter.

Every guest was staring at me.

Some looked shocked, others confused.

But most of them were just waiting for the drama to unfold.

Everyone knew Thatcher Reed was my entire world.

They thought I was just talking big to save face.

Thatcher's expression shifted from guilt to rage. He ignored the people trying to hold him back and grabbed a glass of champagne, throwing it directly into my face.

"Gwen Sinclair! What is wrong with you?"

"I told you, it was a joke! It's our wedding day. Why are you trying to make everyone uncomfortable with that attitude?"

"I regret ever saying yes to your proposal. After all these years, you're still just a petty, jealous woman."

Alcohol dripped from my hair and down my neck. I probably looked like a drowned rat, pathetic and humiliated.

I had spoiled Thatcher.

I had let him get away with everything for so long that he thought he was untouchable.

He didn't care about the venue or the guests. He felt entitled to scream at me whenever he was in a bad mood.

He had trampled on my dignity for years.

He stood there now, chin held high, waiting for me to apologize like I always did.

Honestly, looking back at how I let him treat me, it's embarrassing.

I picked up a napkin and slowly wiped the liquid from my forehead. My voice was cold.

"You two really are perfect for each other. So much drama, so much passion. If I stayed, I'd just be the villain in your tragic love story."

"Tell you what, consider this reception my gift to the new couple. I hope you both get exactly what you deserve."

I raised my empty glass toward his friend, Seraphina.

"Congratulations, Seraphina. You finally got what you wanted."

No one expected me to say that, least of all her.

She probably just wanted to ruin my moment and make me feel small.

She didn't expect to actually be put on the spot.

"Gwen, what are you talking about? Thatcher and I are just friends. If you can't take a joke, I'll apologize, okay?"

Thatcher couldn't stand seeing his precious Seraphina look upset. He stepped in front of her like a protective shield, glaring at me.

The pure hatred in his eyes stung, but only for a second.

"You're ruining the wedding! Satisfied? Apologize to her right now, or I swear, I'm not marrying you!"

I looked at his face, flushed with anger, and felt a wave of icy calm.

Who was the one who actually ruined this?

Did five years of my life mean less than a few words from her?

My fiancé was ready to ditch me at the altar, and I was supposed to just smile and take it?

He opened his mouth to shout again, but I cut him off.

"Don't bother. Since you two are so soulmates-to-be, I'll just get out of the way."

I grabbed my coat and my car keys and walked toward the exit.

Thatcher was livid that I wasn't backing down. He screamed at my back.

"Gwen! If you walk out that door, we are over! I'll divorce you before the ink is even dry!"

I stopped for a moment. Thatcher thought I was scared. He smirked.

"Scared now?"

"Get back here and get on your knees. Apologize to Seraphina."

I turned around and gave him the most sarcastic smile I could muster.

"Fine. See you at the courthouse. Whoever doesn't show up is a coward."

I pulled the engagement ring off my finger and tossed it onto a passing waitress's tray.

I loved Thatcher once.

But I wasn't going to be the world's biggest loser.

They had basically admitted to their emotional affair in front of everyone I knew.

I wasn't going to stay and play along with the charade.

My love for him had turned into something toxic because I let him push me too far.

It was time to let go.