This really is it.
I know that we’re being selfish by eloping.
We’ve both been there and done the white wedding thing before, and in the long run, it meant nothing. Both marriages failed.
I wonder where the ceremony will be. I text him.
Dear Mr Garcia,
What will I wear to our wedding?
Will it be at a registry office or somewhere more weddingy?
xo
A reply bounces straight back, and I smile. He never usually gets my texts for hours.
Dear Soon-To-Be Mrs. Garcia.
Whatever you wear will be perfect.
P.S. ‘Weddingy’ isn’t a word.
Xo
I smirk and reply.
Perhaps if you are going to correct my English, sir, we could play teacher and naughty student tonight? What are you wearing?
He replies.
You’re on detention, young lady.
Punishment will be handed out for your misdemeanors.
I will be wearing my new wife.
xo
I spin on my chair with glee. Oh, I’m so excited.
Knock, knock.
I glance up to see Jeremy sauntering in. I quickly close my phone down. Sebastian has sworn me to secrecy.
“Hey.” I smile.
Jeremy exhales heavily. “I hate men.”
“Men as in Bart, or plural as in all?”
He slumps into the chair at my desk. “He didn’t come home last night.”
My eyes widen. “What do you mean he didn’t come home? How do you know?”
“Well, I don’t know for certain, but he always calls me when he gets home, no matter what the time.”
“Right?”
“And he told me he was meeting Nicolas for dinner but then… no call.”
“Well, he told you about Nicolas.” I frown. “Surely if he had something to hide, he would have kept that a secret.”
“Unless he’s acting transparent.”
I roll my eyes. “Seriously, Jeremy, what are you doing with this guy? Nobody is supposed to feel like this when they’re in a loving relationship.”
“I know.” He sighs.
“Do you want to have lunch today?” I smile.
“Where at?”
“Your pick.”
He exhales heavily. “Can we have all the carbs?”
“Uh-huh.” I frown. On second thoughts, what the hell am I wearing to this wedding? Oh, who cares? Sebastian likes me how I am, anyway. “Yep, all the carbs, and maybe even a cocktail.”
“I do love you.” He stands and gives me a wink before walking out.
“Jeremy!” I hear Bart call. “Can I see you in my office for a moment, please?”
“Sure,” Jeremy replies.
I see them walking down the corridor, and Bart’s office door shuts behind them.
I wonder what lies Bart’s going to tell him now, the selfish prick. Jeremy has got to get out of that relationship. It’s toxic.
Another night, another gala.
My life with Sebastian is glamourous and always busy. He has so many engagements and, of course, I always attend. He won’t go anywhere without me.
“You ready, sweetheart?”
“Just a minute,” I call as I slip my stilettos on.
I take one last look at myself in the mirror. I’m wearing a black strapless, fitted dress. It’s simple but lovely. My hair is up, and for once, I’m wearing red lipstick as well as dangly diamante earrings.
I actually look pretty good.
I walk out to see Sebastian standing near the door. He’s wearing a black dinner suit and bow tie, and his hands are in his trouser pockets. His eyes drop to my toes, and he gives me a slow, sexy smile. “Well, hello there.”
I put my hands on my hips and do a little twirl. “You like?”
He steps forward, taking me into his arms. He bends and kisses my breast through my dress. “I do.” He begins to nibble his way up to my neck.
I giggle. “Behave, we have to go. We’re late already.”
He takes my hand, and we walk down the stairs and into the large foyer. One of the security guard looks up at me and smiles, completely forgetting where he is.
I feel Sebastian stiffen on my arm.
We get to the bottom of the stairs and Sebastian stops still in front of the guard.
He raises an eyebrow. “And?”
The security guard grimaces, knowing he’s been caught perving. “Yes, sir.”
“First and last warning,” Sebastian says as we walk past.
Oh jeez.
We walk out the front doors. The black Mercedes wagon is waiting, and the driver is holding the door open. “Good evening.”
“Hello.” We both smile and get into the back of the car.
Sebastian takes my hand in his lap as we are whisked into the night.
I stare over at my beautiful man. Protective and jealous.
Just how I love him.
Half an hour later, we are at the Governor’s Charity Ball.
It’s an exciting night for all of us. This is Charlotte’s first night out after having their baby. Her and Spence aren’t staying for long, but it’s great that they’re here all the same.
We’ve been hanging out a lot with the four of them. The girls are hilarious, and the boys are inseparable. We have a lot of fun together with them and their kids, especially now that I’m obsessed with baby Hazel.
I had dinner with Penelope and Anna this week too and it’s been so hard not to blurt out to everyone all the exciting news about next week, but we really want to do this alone.
As Sebastian said, we can celebrate with everyone when we get back and there’s no chance of anything being leaked to the press. That’s the very last thing we want to deal with.
“Oh, hell,” Spencer whispers, dipping his head. He holds his forehead to hide from someone. “Seven o’clock.”
We all look up to see a woman smiling. She waves and begins to walk over. Sebastian’s face falls, and Julian drops his head. “Here we fucking go,” Julian mutters.
Brielle’s eyes widen, and Charlotte bites her lip. Whoever this woman is, she’s obviously the topic of conversation.
“There you are,” the woman gushes to Sebastian. “Where have you been hiding?”
He fakes a smile, and he stands and kisses her on the cheek. “Hello, Angela, nice to see you.”
She’s attractive with dark hair, a lovely figure, and she’s way over friendly. Sebastian turns straight to me. “Angela, please meet April, my girlfriend.”
Her face instantly drops. “Hello.” She looks me up and down.
Oh, she’s rude.
“Hello.” I smile, my surprised eyes flick up to Bree and Lottie to see that they’re both smirking, clearly amused. Have I missed part of the conversation?
“Hmm.” Angela’s eyes stay glued to me. “Sebastian, you haven’t been around in a long time. The children would love to see you.”
“Ah, yes.” Sebastian widens his eyes. “I’m very busy.” He gestures to me. “With April.”
“Doing boyfriend stuff,” Spencer interrupts.
Julian drops his head to hide his smile.
Angela’s eyes hold mine. “Where do you live, April?”