Hugh didn’t get home from the office until eight that night
The second he saw me waiting, the usual coolness in his expression softened. “Why are you still up? The food’s cold–it’s bad for your stomach.” His tone was surprisingly gentle.
“I’m used to it. Let’s eat together. I like having meals with family.”
“Alright. I’ll try to leave work on time from now on to be with you.” His voice dropped even softer, almost like a promise.
My cheeks went warm, and I ducked my head.
Hugh had handled every single detail for tomorrow’s wedding, start to finish. Everything was exactly how I liked it -perfectly planned, like he knew me inside out.
But he’d only been back from abroad for a few months, and before that? We’d barely spoken, except for the occasional polite conversation because of Danny.
How he knew me so well was a mystery I couldn’t figure out.
Lost in thought, my phone buzzed. It was my best friend asking if I had the contract for my studio’s partnership handover.
I smacked my forehead. The contract was in Danny’s study.
It had been a huge deal–my studio’s first major partnership. I’d been so excited I showed it to Danny, hoping for
support.
Instead, he pinched the bridge of his nose, tossed it onto a pile of junk papers, and said, “As the future Mrs. Wagner, you don’t need to work. Just focus on keeping up appearances. I hope you understand that.”
That night, I swallowed my tears, fished the contract out of the trash pile, and stuck it on the bookshelf. Nothing came of it after that.
When I left Danny, I reconnected with the partner, expecting a polite brush–off. Instead, they told me they’d been waiting. I was floored. But with everything else going on, I completely forgot about the contract.
“I’ll bring it right over,” I told my friend, letting Hugh know before rushing out the door..
Back at the house Danny and I used to share, I felt… nothing
He was too busy with Mia these days to bother coming back here.
The passcode still worked, and the place looked exactly how I’d left it.
I grabbed the contract and headed for the door, only to freeze. A dark figure stood in the doorway, blocking my path.
“Paige, I knew you’d come back. I’ve been waiting for you,” Danny slurred. “Don’t be mad, okay? Tomorrow’s our wedding day.”
He staggered closer, jaw rough with stubble, looking completely wrecked. “My parents told me not to show up tomorrow. They said to stay away, not to make a scene. But why? I’m the groom!”
Mia hovered beside him, barely managing to keep him upright. The sour stench of alcohol clung to both of them.
I pinched my nose and shot Mia a look. “Like I said before, you two are perfect for each other. Best wishes.”
