Chapter 5
The wedding was only a day away.]]
And my injury had worsened–no doctor, no rest.
Predictably, Lola sent someone over.
She wanted me to “bless her” with a wedding gift.
The irony.
Traditionally, the bride’s closest friend or family member would help with the final adornments.]
Now it was me–his ex–fiancée–handing off the heirloom to his new bride.]
A first in American high society.[]
I opened the old jewelry box and reached for the most ornate piece tucked at the bottom:
A gold hairpin carved with roses and phoenix wings.
Richard gave it to me the day we got engaged.]
He said-
“Scarlett, this belonged to my mom.“]
“My dad gave it to her the night they got married.”
“I begged her for three days before she let me have it.”
“You’re the one I’ve always pictured at the end of that aisle, Scarlett. You and me–forever.”
It had once symbolized everything we w
were.
- ce.
Now, it was my parting gift to Lola.
May they have the forever he promised me.
Wedding day.
The estate was buzzing.
Every political powerhouse and social elite in New York poured into the mansion.
Even though it was a private estate wedding, Richard gave her a ten–mile parade.[]
The bridal procession circled Manhattan.]
I put on the same outfit I wore the night before we got engaged and told my maid, Annie:[]
st.“0
“Pack everything we can carry. Burn the rest.”
Today, I disappear from Richard’s life–for good.[]
That’s my gift to him.[]
That night, a very drunk Richard was dragged into the bridal suite by a group of giddy friends.
The matron of honor handed him the ceremonial vell rod with a smile.
Everyone around him was laughing and teasing
But when Richard took the rod, he froze
Memories of another night–three years ago–flooded his mind.[]
Someone nudged him.]
“Don’t freeze up on us, Prince Charming. We wanna see the bride!”
“Yeah, man, come on! What’re you waiting for?“]
“What, you gonna keep her all to yourself?“]
Chapter 5
Their laughter snapped him out of it.
He shook his head and slowly reached out, hands trembling.
As the veil lifted–D
Red lips. Delicate nose. Perfect brows.
A breathtakingly beautiful face.
“Damn, she really is stunning.“]]
“Look at that hairpin–crazy expensive.“]]
“Wait… is that… a phoenix–and–rose pin?”
CLANG.
The rod dropped.]
Silence.
Richard yanked the pin from Lola’s hair, eyes sharp.
“Where did you get this?“]
Before she could answer, the butler burst in, panicked.]]
“Your Highness–it’s urgent. General Monroe’s men are here.“[]
“They’re taking Miss Monroe home.“]]
