First Chapter
Today was wedding attempt number fifty-two with Owen Tadder. No big crowd this time—just our families.
I dragged myself through a fever to check the setup with the wedding director. Owen didn't even look at me.
He was in the groom's room, giving Vanessa Fondler, his intern, a full-on ankle massage. She'd shown up limping like always.
My parents just shook their heads.
"Really? Again? Has he ever cared about you?"
Everyone knew how badly I wanted this to finally happen.
But right before the ceremony, he bailed. Again.
I chased after him, but he blocked me.
"Vanessa's leg's still bad. I gotta take her to the hospital. Let's postpone. Next time, I swear."
Then he turned and helped her into the car.
Five years together. Fifty-two canceled weddings. Always because of her.
I used to scream, demand answers, beg him to stay.
This time, I smiled. "It's fine. Vanessa probably can't wait."
He blinked, caught off guard. "Cool. I'll bring that strawberry cake you love tonight."
I nodded. He shut the window, drove off.
My smile dropped.
I hate strawberries. I hate cake. He knows that.
I told him the first time he brought it—forced down a bite so he wouldn't feel bad, then admitted I couldn't stand it. He even typed it into his notes, promised he'd remember.
One year later—yeah, right.
The sun was brutal, but my heart? Ice.
I laughed once, walked back in, called it off.
Then I ripped up the dress I'd worn fifty-two freaking times.
Time to shred those five years, too.
