Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 54520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 273(@200wpm)___ 218(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 273(@200wpm)___ 218(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
That statement alone shows just how much better he is than the man across from him.
“I also do it for people like you,” he adds, “the ones who wouldn’t stand a chance in a hazardous situation.”
Silence drops like a bomb, awkward and deafening.
I take a sip of wine, hiding my smirk.
Score one for Slimer.
Finch’s glare hardens, his ego bruised.
My mother shifts in her chair, torn between smoothing it over or pretending it never happened. “Well, it’s a very noble profession,” she says.
A laugh nearly slips free but the sharp clink of silverware on glass shatters the moment.
The best man and maid of honor rise together, glasses lifted high, smiles bright and practiced. “We’d like to say a few quick words before tomorrow’s big day.”
All heads turn to them, Finch and Hattie’s smiles on full display.
I wait for the usual well wishes, expecting all the sweet, heartfelt words about everlasting love, but that isn’t what happens—not even close.
The speech isn’t about the couple at all. It’s a love letter to Finch. His charm. His success. Hattie’s name is barely a footnote, mentioned only as the woman lucky enough to marry him, even from the maid of honor.
My sister nods and smiles through it all, like it’s perfectly normal.
Stunned, I scan the room, expecting someone else to notice how messed up this is, but everyone looks just as captivated as she does. Everyone except Linc.
Our eyes meet in a quiet exchange, the hard edge in his gaze reflecting every one of my own thoughts.
When they finish and I realize no one else plans to say anything, something hot presses against my chest.
Screw it.
My chair scrapes back, the sound cutting through the clink of glasses as I push to my feet. “I’d also like to say a few words.”
The room falls silent, surprise etched on several faces, especially Hattie’s. She shifts in her seat, her posture tightening. Even our parents look nervous.
I let it all roll off me and press forward. “For those of you who don’t know me, hi, I’m Harlow, Hattie’s younger, much funnier sister.”
A ripple of laughter breaks the tension.
“Most people don’t know this, but Hattie’s had plenty of practice being a bride. Growing up, I roped her into marrying whichever stuffed animal I had on hand, all so I could indulge my dreams of being a wedding planner. Let’s just say, Mr. Teddy has also had his fair share of weddings.”
More laughter dances through the room, including Hattie and my parents’.
“No matter how silly it was, Hattie always went along with it, because that’s the kind of person she is. Always striving to please others, even if it means sacrificing herself.” My voice dips lower, softening the next few words. “A beautiful trait, but also a heavy burden.”
A glassy sheen gathers in her eyes, a testament to the truth of my words.
My own throat thickens, but I push through it. “They say a successful marriage is built on give and take, but my hope for you is that it’s filled with more take than give. I also hope you never sacrifice yourself for it, because anything truly worth giving up in the name of love shouldn’t feel like a sacrifice to begin with.”
By the time I finish, the energy in the room has shifted, the quiet heavier now.
I ease back into my chair, feeling several gazes on me. Until Hattie leans forward, pulling me into her arms.
“Thank you,” she breathes, the words trembling past her lips. “I don’t deserve you—or those words—but thank you.”
I sink into her embrace, holding her just as fiercely, hoping this is the new beginning I came for.
Eventually, the room slips back into its hum, everyone falling into conversation again, except my family.
My mother discreetly dabs her eyes, my father’s hand covering hers, pride softening them both. But Finch remains untouched, his glare cutting across the table.
I meet it head-on, leveling him with a silent warning.
Hurt her and I’ll hunt you.
A sudden warmth brushes my side, pulling me out of the moment. Linc leans in, voice pitched low. “Think if we glare at him long enough, he and his tight-ass suit will disappear?”
Laughter tumbles past my lips, loosening something deep in my chest.
His smile catches mine, and as I look up at him, I can’t help but wonder if the new beginning I came for isn’t just with my sister…maybe it’s with him too.
After a long night of faking it, we finally make it back to our room.
Harlow heads straight for her suitcase, yanking out her pajamas like they’ve personally offended her before storming into the bathroom, heels cracking against the floor like gunfire.
“I cannot believe that train wreck of a toast,” she seethes, voice muffled behind the cracked door.
The faucet kicks on, but her fury steamrolls right over the sound, spilling out in sharp bursts as I strip out of my own clothes.