Chapter 4

"Tell you what, let's make a deal," Tyler said, sticking his designer sneaker forward. "Lick my shoe clean, and I'll post a statement saying you had your reasons back then. That way, your little wedding won't be ruined."

I stared at him with dead eyes, a storm brewing behind my calm facade.

Assuming I was actually considering it, he chuckled patronizingly.

"Need time to think? Fine, just one shoe. I'm being generous here, considering we used to train on the same track."

I gritted my teeth and spat, "Not interested."

Tyler blinked, caught off guard. He had slept with my fiancée and leaked my wedding date online, yet I wasn't falling apart.

Putting on a wise-guy act, he patted my shoulder.

"I get it, man. Pride is everything. Too many people here. Whenever you're ready, come over to my place. I'll post the clarification whenever you swallow your pride."

He wiped his hands with an alcohol wipe, sneering in disgust, before turning on his heel and walking away.

Chloe bounced over, clutching my arm, rambling about wedding decorations to fix our shattered relationship.

I glanced at the over-the-top, expensive floral arrangements she showed me. "Pick whatever you like. It's your day."

Every single theme she picked was filled with lilies and bright pollen.

She claimed she wanted to spend the rest of her life with me, yet she forgot I was severely allergic to pollen.

Whatever. She was the star of the show. She could have whatever she wanted.

I was done caring.

Her soft hands stroked my arm, and she leaned close, whispering dirty promises into my ear.

The second I remembered her and Tyler tangled up on that bed, bile surged up my throat.

I violently shoved her off, sprinted to the nearest trash can, and threw up everything in my stomach.

Chloe rushed over, trying to rub my back. "Babe, what's wrong...?"

I shook my head, keeping my distance.

"Go home, Chloe. I'll pick you up on the wedding day. I'll make sure you're the most stunning bride."

"Must be the flu. Don't come near me, or you'll catch it."

Seeing me dry heaving, she backed away, afraid of getting sick.

Right on cue, her phone rang.

The hallway was quiet, and Tyler's smug voice cut clearly through the receiver.

"Get to my hotel room. Once you're married, we won't have the chance anymore."

"One last wild night before the wedding. Up to you."