Wow.
Underneath the dress lay a note, written in smooth, elegant strokes of ink that exuded a sense of opulence.
“Figured if we’re going to sell this, you need to look like heartbreak in heels. You don’t have to sell your car…”
My hands trembled as I read the note over and over, each word sinking deeper into my consciousness. I needed to speak with him.
He answered on the second ring, his voice warm and familiar. “You got it?”
My voice cracked, betraying my emotions. “Roman… This dress looks like it belongs on a red carpet. Not in New Hope.”
“Exactly,” he replied, his tone unwavering.
“I didn’t even think you were paying attention to me last night,” I admitted, a hint of disbelief lacing my words.
“I’m always listening to you,” he assured me, his sincerity wrapping around me like a comforting blanket.
I swallowed hard, the weight of my next question pressing down on me. “How much did this cost?”
“Enough to ruin your sister’s day,” he replied, a teasing lilt in his voice.
A laugh escaped me, surprising both of us.
“You’re insane,” I whispered, my heart racing.
“You’re welcome,” he replied smoothly. “You’re not walking into that wedding looking like a cautionary tale. You’re walking in like a fucking event.”
My heart thudded in my chest, excitement surging through me. “I could kiss you.”
“You will,” Roman said, his calm demeanor unwavering. “In front of your entire family. Repeatedly.”
“Oh, God… you make it sound worse when you say it that way,” I groaned, the reality of the situation hitting me.
“And your ex too,” he added, a playful edge to his voice.
“That, I’m excited for,” I admitted, laughter bubbling between us. “Is he still texting you?”
“Surprisingly, yes. I get the vibe he suspects we’re lying or that one of us is using the other.”
“What?”
“The dude does know you though… on a much deeper level,” he winced, as if the thought pained him.
“What do you mean?” I pressed, my curiosity piqued.
“He claims to be happy for us, but then he turns around and lets me know you used to tell him that you’d never date a guy like me. What’s up with that?”
A wave of embarrassment washed over me, my palms growing clammy. “And what’d you say?”
“Me? I just told him how much fun he must be at therapy,” he replied, laughter bubbling in his voice.
I burst into laughter, the sound echoing in the small bathroom stall. “I can imagine his face.”
“You know you could have picked Colin from Eastview Firm? Or Ethan from HR…” Roman suggested, his tone teasing. “The more mysterious, the better.”
“They’re both my exes! Everyone in that darn group chat knows when I broke up with both of them. Besides, Ethan only lasted long enough to serve one purpose.”
“Gross… don’t remind me,” he replied, the disgust evident in his voice.
“Where are you anyways? You’re not in your office, are you?” I asked, half-worried.
“Nope. Considering my leave was squashed two hours after it began, I’m savoring what I can before I’m thrust into Hart family drama.”
I winced at the thought. “I’m sorry.”
He brushed it off playfully. “All fun is good fun, love. I’ll try to enjoy New Hope.”
“I doubt that,” I replied, a smile creeping onto my face.
“Baby,” Roman said, his voice warm and low, “I’m about to be the realest fake man you’ve ever had.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Well, I gotta go; there’s a hot blonde winking right at me. I’m about to get lucky… I’ll text you later, love!” He hung up before I could respond.
Typical Roman.
I held the dress against my body in front of the office mirror, capturing a selfie to send to the bride of nightmares.
“Hey, Chlo,
Just checking-this the exact green you wanted, right? I know how you get about shades.”
I pressed send, exhaling as the three dots danced across the screen, only to suddenly disappear.
A mic icon appeared in its place…
**Voicenote Incoming…**
I hesitated for what felt like an eternity, then finally hit play.
Nothing good ever came from Chloe’s voice notes.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.