Chapter 1
Outside the City Hall Marriage Bureau in Manhattan, Callum Drayton and I are waiting in line to get married.]]
Suddenly, this little boy runs over and hugs Callum’s legs, crying “Daddy!“]]
I thought it was some kind of scam, but Callum melted, scooping the kid up lovingly.[]
“Hey, I just found out – when Vivienne and I broke up five years ago, she was pregnant with my child” he shrugs.]
“She’s back from overseas now, and come on, single moms face so much judgment. I gotta man up and take care of my family.“[]
As I stood there stunned, Vivienne Marlowe strolls over.[]
Callum intertwined fingers with her, looking absolutely smitten.[]
I asked calmly. “So what’s your point?“]
“I have to marry Vivienne, As for us…” He shrugged.]
471
“Since we’re already here. Let’s snap a pic so you can post it and make your girlfriends jealous, right?”
Vivienne’s already got her phone out, wearing a smug grin. “Say cheese, sweetie!“]
Callum puts on his bullshit caring voice. “Baby, The kid’s innocent,he deserves a dad. I only love you, she’s just family now, I need to make it up to my son. We’ll play house for a while.“[]
“We’ll just postpone our thing for a bit. Once he’s older and can handle it, I swear I’ll give you the wedding of your dreams.“]]
And just like that, The happy family skipped off to get their marriage certificate..]
I pull out my phone and call my childhood sweetheart, Silas Everhart, who’s been head–over–heels for me for ten years.
“I’m at City Hall and I need a husband. You in or what?“]
“Oh my princess, you’re really pulling a surprise wedding on me now?” Silas’s voice came through, sounding resigned. “I’m overseas, just got off the plane…”
I pause. “Oh. Well, forget it then.“[]
The laid–back Silas suddenly panics. “Wait, no! Hold on, I’m coming! I’ll make it before City Hall closes. Whoever backs out is a
total loser.”
After hanging up, I let out a small–sight and look for somewhere to sit and wait.]
That’s when I hear this annoyed voice: “Elara Whitford!“]
I look up to see Callum walking over.
They’re already done got their license and everything
津
Chapter 1
Callum’s got the kid on one arm and Vivienne’s hand in the other. Picture–perfect family.[]
He walks right up to me, sets the boy down, and hisses under his breath: “What the hell are you still doing here?“[]
I answer honestly: “Waiting for someone. Getting married.“]
Callum gets even more pissed. “Why are you being such a bitch about this? I told you, I just found out about the kid. Everyone has a past, okay?“]
I nod. “Sure.”
Callum grabs my arm. “If you get it, then go home. Don’t make a scene in front of my son.”
I shake him off and say seriously: “I really am waiting to get married.“]
[14]
Callum’s face goes dark. “Elara, I’m telling you one last time. Keep acting like this and you’ll just make me hate you more.‘
Then Vivienne comes over, putting on this innocent act: “Is Elara upset because she didn’t get her certificate today?“||
“O
She pulls out their marriage license and tries to shove it in my hands. “Here, why don’t you and Callum take a photo with this?“[]
“The cover looks the same anyway. As long as you don’t open it, no one will know whose names are inside.“]
I don’t take it, and the license falls to the ground.[]
Vivienne’s eyes immediately well up with tears. She crouches down to pick it up, voice breaking: “I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have come back with Eli…“[]
Callum glares at me. “Elara, I had no idea you could be this petty. If you can’t accept Vivienne in my life, then we’re done!“[]
“Okay,” I say simply.
My calm response catches Callum completely off guard.[]
Vivienne gently nudges the little boy. “Say sorry to auntie, sweetie. Tell her not to be upset.“]
But the kid shouts back: “No! She’s the homewrecker!“]
He shoves me hard. “Don’t steal my daddy!“]
Everyone around us starts staring, and I can see the judgment in their eyes.]
I even hear someone whisper: “Jesus, these homewreckers are getting bold. Coming to City Hall to steal someone’s husband.“[]
I look at the kid calmly. “Your dad and I just broke up. You don’t have to worry anymore.“[]
“I wish your parents a long and happy marriage.“]
