Chapter 3

Owen told me he'd had feelings for me for four years.

He held up his hands quickly.

"I'm not pressuring you."

"I just wanted you to know how I feel."

"I was afraid that if I waited even a day, someone else would get there first."

He finished in one breath, then watched me with barely-contained nerves.

Owen had always been a constant presence in mine and Marcus's world at university — the three of us had been nearly inseparable. There was only that one mystery: the fiancée he claimed to have, who never materialised and whose name he never said.

I knew Owen. I knew his family. I knew his character.

And his family's situation was incomparably better than Marcus's.

Something in me simply — nodded.

That same evening, he arranged for our families to meet.

Helen Alderton took my hand the moment she saw me and refused to let go.

"Owen has everything going for him, but nothing could get him to date anyone. I was starting to wonder if he simply wasn't interested in women."

"Turns out the little idiot was just refusing to step on his friend's turf!"

My mother gave her a brief summary of the situation with Marcus.

Helen waved it away.

"Honestly, I already knew. Marcus never deserved her — and I am not a traditional woman about these things, so let's say no more about it."

The Aldertons showed my parents every possible respect.

As the evening warmed up, Charles Alderton — Owen's father — raised his glass and brought up the engagement terms directly.

"Settlement: £880,000. Gold jewellery set. That's decided."

"You have my word — we will not let Vera down."

My parents were overwhelmed with gratitude. They protested. The Aldertons held firm.

The dinner was a very pleasant one.

On the drive home, Owen beside me in the car, I got a notification on my phone.

A digital wedding invitation from Marcus.

Same time. Same hotel.

Just a different bride.

This had all been choreographed by my best friend, for me.

The least I could do was enjoy the show.