Out the corner of my eye, I spotted the shop’s attendants whispering and nodding their heads in approval.
I couldn’t take the anticipation anymore. “Can I turn around and look in the mirror now?”
“Yes.” They said in unison.
I slowly spun around and sucked in a breath once I saw my reflection.
Oh my god...
The dress was flawless. Utter perfection.
It was a strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline, a neckline that was embellished with a thin line of sparkling white and silver crystals. The top of the dress fit like a vintage corset and gave way to a long skirt of beautiful organza waves that flowed from my hips to my toes—into a long train that draped off the platform.
The veil was simple, but stunning. It had light, lace accents around its edges and its’ ends grazed my lower back.
I twirled around and looked over my shoulder, noticing that the jewelry I was wearing perfectly complemented the shimmering beads in the veil’s comb.
I didn’t want to cry, but the tears had already begun to fall down my face. Everything suddenly felt more real now; I was actually getting married.
“This is it.” There was a lump in my throat. “This is the dress I want.”
All of the attendants clapped, and the manager walked over and handed each of us a glass of chilled champagne.
“Congratulations, Miss Gracen,” she said. “I’ll bring out our seamstress to check for any necessary alterations.”
“Just to be clear, these aren’t really tears in my eyes.” Helen stepped onto the platform and hugged me. “This moment never happened.”
I held back a laugh and nodded.
“I can’t get over how beautiful you look, Claire. You’re gorgeous...” My mother dabbed her eyes with a Kleenex. “He’s not going to be able to look away from you once you walk down that aisle.” She put her hand over her chest and cried. “Please don’t f**k this up!”
I smiled as Jonathan’s newest set of flowers were rolled into my office the next day. They were a collection of white, pink, and yellow tulips, with wild orchids evenly placed in between them.
I took the envelope that was on top and sliced it open:
Five Places Where I’d Love to Fuck You
5. At a crowded concert
4. In a packed movie theater
3. In our bathroom’s sauna
2. On the hood of my Bugatti
1. On my boardroom table...
Call me as soon as your last meeting is over.
Love,
Your Future Husband
I laughed and slipped the note into my pocket. “You can send my ten o’ clock back now, Rita.” I buzzed the intercom.
I walked over to my door and opened it, expecting to see an elderly man and his wife but instead—Ryan?!
“You never struck me as the domestic type, Claire.” He took off his hat and walked right past me. “But I guess when you’re engaged to a billionaire your priorities change. Interior design? Really?” He scoffed. “I bet I can guess what the other “C” in C & C’s Charming Designs means.”
“Do you not understand ‘get the f**k out’ and ‘I don’t want you here’? Or did putting your dick in Amanda over the years cause you to lose some of your hearing?”
“You always were a smartass. I loved that about you.”
“Clearly not enough. Get the f**k out.”
He sighed. “Do you know how hard it is to adjust to a new city? How much harder it is when you’re being watched and followed by security guards everywhere you go?” He shook his head. “Are you that threatened by me?”
“Get. The. Fuck. Out.”
“I’ll leave.” He walked towards me. “But we need to talk first. Sit down.”
“I’ll sit down after you leave.”
“You can’t give me five seconds?”
“I’ve given you more than that already.” I walked over to my door and opened it. “Besides, I don’t speak ass**le. I never could master that language.”
“You owe me this, Claire. Just please, listen. Out of respect for how you used to feel about me...Out respect for one of our old promises: You never forget your first.”
“Unless he knocks up your best friend. People never read the fine print on that one.”
“Claire...”
“Mr. Hayes.” Greg was suddenly standing next to me. “It would be best if you didn’t utter another word to Miss Gracen. You are not welcome on this property.”
Ryan’s eyes dimmed and he shook his head, looking at me as if he was hurt.
What the hell is wrong with him?!
“You have five seconds to walk out of this door, Mr. Hayes.” Greg narrowed his eyes and Ryan walked out of the office, looking back at me as two other security guards escorted him out.
“I’ve notified Mr. Statham about the intrusion.” He sounded disappointed. “Mr. Hayes slipped by our watch today and managed to take a cab here. My sincerest apologies, Miss Gracen. It won’t happen again. Are you alright?”