Series: Webs We Weave Series by Krista Ritchie
Total pages in book: 167
Estimated words: 162520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 813(@200wpm)___ 650(@250wpm)___ 542(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 162520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 813(@200wpm)___ 650(@250wpm)___ 542(@300wpm)
I try not to look at any children.
I try not to think about the little flutters in my belly. Nerves, I tell myself. Just nerves. It’s not the baby moving. If I think too hard about my pregnancy, I start thinking about Oliver, then Jake, and I need to be here.
I cannot lose time. Not today.
It’s imperative I stay cognizant. Aware of my surroundings. And it’s not like my mission is a particularly elaborate one. I have one purpose tonight.
Avoid Trent Waterford…my husband.
It’s just a piece of paper, Hailey. It’s real in the sense that everyone believes it. It’s real in the sense that Hailey Thornhall is me. It’s real in the sense that Jake was truthfully hurt. I didn’t mean for him to see the proposal. It wasn’t part of my plan.
I’m sorry, Jake.
It’s fake in my heart. This marriage is fake.
I let the wind whip my flowy white Vera Wang dress and soothe my burning face. My hair is in tamed waves.
The Bennet estate resides on the highest hill in Victoria, overlooking the rest of town. It’s my first time here, and I love how the coastal breeze rushes stronger on this hill and brings cooler weather tonight.
People mingle at teak picnic tables, carrying plates of seafood and summer salads from the catered spread. On a normal occasion, I’d be giddy with excitement, soaking up the Fourth of July party atmosphere with a lemonade and mini crab cake. Phoebe and I would be chatting on the porch swing while fireworks shoot overhead.
But normal is not on the schedule for tonight.
For one: I have never been this popular at a party.
Ladies from town have stopped me too many times to count. Asked to see my ring. Prompted me for all the details on how Trent proposed and how our whirlwind romance began. I smile and give the talking points Trent and I agreed upon. Each time I recall the fake events, I have to stifle a gag.
Just when I think I can slip away, the younger crowd descends upon me near the arched pergolas on the lawn. Among the twentysomethings, I recognize Sidney Burke’s group of college friends and Chelsea Noknoi from VCC.
I hold out my hand when they ask to see the ring. “Hailey.” Chelsea gawks. “Is this the Grace Kelly engagement ring?”
“A replica,” I reply into a forced smile that I hope looks genuine enough. The Cartier ring has an emerald-cut diamond set in between two baguette-cut ones. “But exactly 10.47 karats like hers.”
“Trent is so romantic,” Rachel Rawlings says wistfully.
“We would have had a longer engagement, but he doesn’t want me to have to work at VCC anymore, and I need health insurance, so…” I flush and avert my eyes to the ground.
“I wouldn’t be ashamed of a quick marriage,” Rachel assures me. “Elopements are in.”
“I almost wish I did it,” Chelsea adds. “Wedding planning is so stressful. Giddeon and I still can’t decide on our caterer. Then you have to think about table settings, flowers—it goes on and on. You’re lucky to bypass the headache.”
The other girls voice their approval.
“But I will miss you at VCC,” Chelsea says and gives me a hug. My stomach sours uncomfortably. I don’t like lying to her. I don’t really love lying to anyone in this town. It had been nice being so honest somewhere.
“Are you moving to the Koning estate?” Valentina de la Vega asks.
I nod. “When the summer ends…or when Varrick Wolfe chooses an heir. Whichever comes first.”
“I heard Damian and Sandon might leave Stonehaven early. You know, after the rumors Varrick has narrowed it down to a Thornhall,” Valentina says. “Is that true?”
Val is an MBA grad student, and her family owns the paper. I always thought she’d make a terrific journalist. Sadness rushes through me. I might not see what becomes of her. “I know they haven’t been staying as often,” I mutter.
Rachel waves her hands in excitement. “Wait, wait. Who cares about that? What were Trent’s vows? Start from the beginning—”
“Hailey! There you are!” The booming voice belongs to my very best friend. Phoebe pushes through the throngs of girls. “Oh my gosh, finally, we need to talk. Sorry, everyone! I have a thing that I have to sort out and you know…” She’s already grabbing my hand and pulling me away from the group.
I can’t fight off my smile. “Thank you.”
“No need to thank me, I’m officially on errand duty.” She crinkles her nose. “How you like this role is beyond me.”
“Less pressure.”
“Less fun,” she refutes, swinging my arm like we’re skipping through a meadow. We share a smile.
The Bennets are known for their lilac plants. Hundreds of purple flowers cascade from bushes and trees. So unlike the meticulously trimmed hedges and rose garden of the Koning estate. The overgrown lilac shrubs and the canopy of trees remind me of a fairy tale. But I wonder if this is more Wizard of Oz than Cinderella.