BOOK SEVEN: LONDON No, no, no, no, no.This can't be real; this has to be some sort of sick joke. Surely. There is no way in hell I got so drunk, and then got hitched to my brother's best friend. On the night of my brother's wedding. It's way too made up, not even my worst enemy would wish this on me. I'm a wedding planner, I pride myself on creating the best weddings and here I am sitting with a cheap gold band from god knows where. And to think it happened because I decided to cut loose, after so long. Not to mention, I actually encouraged Tristan to drink! Shaking my head, I hop out of bed. That glass of water is desperately needed right now. Stumbling to my feet, I pace towards the kitchenette and grab two glasses, filling them to the brim. I'll ignore how woozy my stomach and head feel right now because this news has completely woken me up. Downing the glass of water, I feel better instantly. God, water is delicious sometimes. I fill it again before I take both glasse
He's got to be joking me. We have a potential legal crisis here, and he wants to do that. Right now? No, I have to push him away. Not to mention I'm with Edmund. Edmund! Oh god, I almost forgot about the man I'm dating. And I'm here, letting my ex hold me like this? Trying to loosen my hand from his grip, he doesn't let go, instead holding me tighter."You are being ridiculous," I chide. Those whiskey eyes blaze up at me. "Actually, you are.""Come again?""You are worrying about something you can't control. Why?"I inhale quietly. "I know, you're right" "Besides, what if this was meant to be?"My heart patters with warmth at his abrupt comment. Is he trying to say No, he's just kidding around, being the cad he always is. He doesn't believe in fate; he doesn't believe in soul mates. I scoff, rolling my eyes. "Uh-uh, yeah sure, I doubt that"A stunned gasp leaves me when my body starts to go aflame and I look down to see Tristan slide to sit on the edge of the bed, both hi
In the space of a minute or so, I've been pulled out of my blissful stupor and sucked back down to earth. So much for seventh heaven. Seventh hell, more like.I should be relieved, overjoyed at the announcement but all I can do is stand here naked, hovering over the dining table, clutching the phone tightly. All I can do is breathe, and even that seems difficult right now. I'm not actually married to Tristan, it was all make-believe. A make-believe fairy tale I was all too happy to interject myself into. "Missy, are you still there?" she asks. "Is there anything else you require from us?"I had no idea I paused for so long. "Oh, sorry bad reception. Ahem, no, nothing else. Thank you for following up.""Of course, my pleasure. We hope you guys had a wonderful experience and that you enjoy the rings. Have a great day!" The phone hangs up, and it takes me a moment to clear my head. "Babe, what's wrong?" Tristan asks, sounding concerned. "Come to bed, you must be cold."Shaking m
Pacing around the room, I play with my fingers as I wait nervously. Don't be afraid, just tell him. He'll understand, I know it. As I continue rehearsing what I need to say, my door knocks. Okay, he's here. Taking a deep inhalation, I shuffle to the door and open it to greet the person on the other side."Hi darl!" Gabe leans in to give me an air kiss, before holding up a cheese platter and packet of crackers in front of me. "Okay, gossip time. I think the occasion calls for cheese and crackers."He has no idea what I've got in store for him. I grin as I take the food from him. "I'll get the bottle of wine. But I'm making chicken fajitas, so keep your stomach free for them."Closing the door behind him, Gabe saunters in looking like his fabulous self in a navy crested jacket and white pants. I put the cheese and crackers on the dining table, before grabbing the silver glittery gift bag sitting on one of the chairs. "Here, just a little something for helping out. How was it bac
"Call us the second you get there, alright?" Mom repeats herself for the fifth time in two hours. I am standing outside my favourite Japanese restaurant on Bridge Street in Wynyard, saying my final goodbyes for the night. Gabe has gone home and it's just me and my family, who won't let me get into my car and drive back home. It's my farewell party with my loved ones, and I've spent the night laughing, getting sentimental and emotional with my parents, Hansley, Jackie, and Gabe. My flight is tomorrow morning, and because I would find it too difficult to say goodbye to any of them at the airport, I suggested dinner instead. Less invasive this way."I get there at six in the evening, it will be three in the morning for you. I'll just text you first," I insist and she scowls at me."Fine, but as soon as you get off the plane, alright? I don't care what time. I just need to know you are safe. I will be expecting a text at 3AM," she insists, her tone unyieldingly stern. I nod at her dogg
London baby, I have arrived! As Edmund and I sit in the back of the chauffeur driven car, my face is plastered to the window as I take in this new city that is now my home. There's so much to take in: it's incredible how one place can have so much vibrancy, multiculturalism, and a cosmopolitan edge all at once: the sky scraper buildings, glamourous clothes shops filling the high streets, the internationally renowned restaurants, the parks, the double deckers, the black cabs. And then there's the history: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, 10 Downing Street, the Tower Bridge, the Great Fire, Barbican Arts Gallery. This city is truly a perfect blending of the past and present. Just when I am keen on continuing the driving tour, the car pulls up and I turn to Edmund, my mouth having popped open at where we've stopped."Tell me you're joking. This is not your place." Edmund chuckles heartily. "Is that a good thing?"I turn back to press my fa
My feet tapping against the leg of the small mahogany table, I check my phone to see if there are any text messages. Nope, nothing. My guest should be on time, I'm just early. Looking around the café, I'm glad this place was picked. I'm sitting in the middle of The Purple Hare, a rustic and inviting mahogany infused restaurant in the middle of Chelsea. Packed to the brim with drunk and merry locals clad in wintry garb, the woody and earthy ambience mixed with the smell of Guinness, grilled steak and mashed potatoes makes the place feel like a second home almost. I am about to press the call button when the door flies open. "Hey!" Amelia waves excitedly at me but my mouth pops open at the sight of her in a long black parka jacket, jeans and boots. She said she had a surprise for me, but this was the last thing I expected.Standing up, I point at her stomach, which is a heck of a lot bigger than when I last saw it. "Oh my goodness, you are as full as a house!"A permanent grin
I plop my head on the fluffy mattress, panting loudly as I let the post coital experience wash over me. Something is wrong with me. I just slept with my boyfriend for the first time, but I came thinking about my ex-fake husband. No, it was purely coincidental. It's just the half bottle of pinot gris swirling in my head, that's it surely. Instead, I'm going to bask in how nice that was.That was not bad, not bad at all. It wasn't fireworks but it was nice and efficient. He definitely knows a thing or two about pleasing a woman, that's for sure. He was very attentive, gentle, tender even. Just what I like - what I prefer. Unlike Tristan, who is all so aggressive. The way he grabs my hips so roughly, the way he pulls my hair, the way he bites my lip andgah! No more reminiscing! I'm so ashamed of myself, what's wrong with me? Noit's just a once-off. It won't happen again. I'm sure of it."How was that for you?" Edmund asks coolly as he looks down at me. His face is slick with a thin la