The Vows We Fake

o Bellmare Estate, those are the scents that welcomed me. The iron gates gr

hrough the

. Her baby blue eyes widened in amaz

ite stone archways framed by climbing jasmine, a beautiful courtyard that opened into a blue,

nter of the venue. The sun was out, light from that majestic b

n were her biggest hindrances; she could've burst into song and danced along the path. "The tr

t

, cruel day to be brough

here. Same old lawns. Same old chapel. Same old scent. I had seen

circled in bridal magazines. The one I had whispered about in nights

right eyed fiancée, eyes wide open as I take in the scenery for the first time. The rays from the sun make my caramel skin glow. I'm hand in hand with my lover, dark

and me five years ago, but she has no ide

e. "Are you oka

t," I r

Your port

de up, cleverly hiding my fingers behind it. I hoped Leah won't notice that t

t just a

nxiety inducing. The contract had arrived anonymously. High profile wedding. No in-person meetings until after the contract was signed. No na

the client to talk things over with because I needed clarity on the contract.

t as a bride. Not even

dding p

e. It had to be a coinci

t to see the inside. Or meet the clie

dragging my suitcase behind me like a weight I wasn't quite fond of, walking slower than I was supposed to. M

reviewing the facts over again. Anonymous client.

d have

mal price upfront. And I h

heels echoing across the marble. A middle-aged, sal

acknowledge Leah. "I'm Mr. Wade. I manage

hand. "Pleasur

n't ta

shot up to

lready turning on his heel. "

used. "I'd assumed he wouldn't

m to be part of plann

er all, the contract stated that neither the groom

d, "He seems like the kind of person who would tr

ers. Best to avoid confrontation, but

ilding creaked as Mr. Wade push

gr

tchen. A charcoal suit clung to his body. His posture was stiff. He was examining the floral

knew him. He didn't even have to

orld tilt be