Rebuked

Flash Marriage To My Best Friend's Father

Madel Cerda

I was once the heiress to the Solomon empire, but after it crumbled, I became the "charity case" ward of the wealthy Hyde family. For years, I lived in their shadows, clinging to the promise that Anson Hyde would always be my protector. That promise shattered when Anson walked into the ballroom with Claudine Chapman on his arm. Claudine was the girl who had spent years making my life a living hell, and now Anson was announcing their engagement to the world. The humiliation was instant. Guests sneered at my cheap dress, and a waiter intentionally sloshed champagne over me, knowing I was a nobody. Anson didn't even look my way; he was too busy whispering possessively to his new fiancée. I was a ghost in my own home, watching my protector celebrate with my tormentor. The betrayal burned. I realized I wasn't a ward; I was a pawn Anson had kept on a shelf until he found a better trade. I had no money, no allies, and a legal trust fund that Anson controlled with a flick of his wrist. Fleeing to the library, I stumbled into Dallas Koch-a titan of industry and my best friend's father. He was a wall of cold, absolute power that even the Hydes feared. "Marry me," I blurted out, desperate to find a shield Anson couldn't climb. Dallas didn't laugh. He pulled out a marriage agreement and a heavy fountain pen. "Sign," he commanded, his voice a low rumble. "But if you walk out that door with me, you never go back." I signed my name, trading my life for the only man dangerous enough to keep me safe.

Romance CEO Billionaires Age Gap One-night Stand

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Meadow's POV

"Hi. I have a reservation. Meadow Russell."

The receptionist raised her gaze to look at me, and then she jerked back slightly, eyes raking over me from top to bottom. Her deep red-colored lips were pulled down in a sneer.

"You're kidding, right?" she scoffed, turning to the lady beside her who had a similar expression on her face.

I blinked, frowning. "Excuse me?"

The receptionists exchanged another look that made my skin crawl. What the hell was wrong with them? All I wanted to do was get the keys to my room and wait for my fiance, Tyler.

We were getting married in a few hours. It was going to be a private ceremony, just me and him. And I wasn't going to let anyone shit on my plans-much less a couple of rude receptionists.

The red-lipped receptionist tilted her head at me. "You already checked in two hours ago. If this is some kind of prank, I'd suggest you quit it now before I call security."

My brows furrowed. "What? I haven't checked in." A nervous laugh escaped my mouth.

The second receptionist glanced at me as if she was considering something, and then she turned to red lip. "Show her."

Red lip scowled at me, but she did as she was told. She turned her laptop to face me, clicking on a button. And then she pointed at something.

The check-in list.

And sure enough, my name was there. Meadow Russell.

"Oh," I let out a laugh. "It's probably my fiance. He must have checked in with my name. I was supposed to get here before him though, that's why I'm so surprised."

The receptionists exchanged another look. They seemed confused.

"That's not a funny joke, miss," the second receptionist said. "You checked in with a man two hours ago. I know that because I complimented that cute top you're wearing."

I glanced down at the white crop top with the word, "BRIDE" written across it.

Tyler had gotten me this top a few days ago. He said he saw it and thought it would look really good for the wedding.

"And then you said you're getting married real soon," red lip finished for her.

Something heavy-along with my heart-dropped into my stomach. Something was wrong.

"This has to be a misunderstanding..." I trailed off.

Because there was no way... No fucking way.

"That wasn't me," I said firmly this time.

They exchanged another glance, and when they both looked at me, I could see something resembling pity in their expression.

I didn't like that look. At all.

Finally, Red lip sighed. "I don't know why, but I believe you. Then she leaned backward to search for something.

She emerged with a key card. "I hope you get things sorted out," she muttered, forcing a smile on her face.

I couldn't breathe the entire way up the elevator.