Chapter 1
The night before the wedding, someone slipped a Presidential Suite key card under my door.
The room number was the same suite where I’d been proposed to three years ago.
I thought it was Luca Vitale’s idea of a pre-wedding romantic surprise.
But when I pushed the door open. I found him tangled in the sheets with another woman.
When he was done, Luca coolly pushed her aside.
He lit a cigarette. Through the smoke, he gave me a careless smile.
‘Nothing to it,” he sighed. “I just didn’t want to hide it anymore. Figured you should know now. Then I won’t have to
explain after the wedding.”
He flicked his ash into the tray and added. “Relax. You’re still my one and only wife.”
“You’ve been with me for ten years. You’ve pissed off plenty of people in this circle. Without me, who else would take you
in?”
“Tomorrow goes on as planned. Just one small change-
“You show up for the ceremony. She gets the marriage license.”
He expected me to ask why.
But I quietly took off my engagement ring, set it on the vanity, and walked out.
The next morning. Luca stood waiting for me in the cathedral, dressed in his groom’s tuxedo.
I didn’t run. I didn’t hesitate.
I walked straight down the red carpet arm in arm with my enemy, held up the marriage certificate, and said:
“The ceremony can stay. I’ve already given the certificate to him.”
‘There she is! The bride’s finally out!”
By the time I came downstairs, reporters had already gathered outside the hotel.
Camera flashes popped like gunfire.
“Miss Cooper-sorry. Mrs. Vitale-how are you feeling today?”
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‘Mrs Vitale what do you think of the wedding of the century Mr Vitale planned for you?
I didn’t answer The bodyguards escorted me to the car
The wedding was set at St. Catherine’s Cathedral on the east side.
Luca stood on the steps in his white groom’s tuxedo, wearing that smile he always had when everything was going
exactly his way
He’d called that morning. Said he’d been ‘up all night. Seven rounds. Body aching Needed to sleep in
He couldn’t come pick up his own bride.
He was absolutely certain I’d show up.
His best man Marco whistled first.
Told you,” he grinned, elbowing Luca. “Boss knows what he’s doing, Hell of a night, and the bride still shows up in white.
That’s what I call well-trained.”
Another groomsman leaned in. “For real. After the state he was in last night? Most guys would be passed out. But look at
him. Standing like a king.”
They all laughed.
Luca’s lips curved up.
‘Rebecca’s been mine for ten years,” he said coldly. “Who else would want her besides me?*
He glanced down at the ring I’d left behind the night before.
‘She’ll throw a tantrum. That’s normal. But in the end-
He paused. His voice was absolutely certain.
‘She’ll walk up to me and put her hand in mine.”
Marco gave him a thumbs up.
The car door opened. I stepped out in my white gown. Sunlight caught the lace
Something flickered across Luca’s face. Genuine admiration.
“My wife looks beautiful in that dress.”
But before he could touch my hand, his phone buzzed
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He looked at the screen. His expression softened. He stepped aside to take the call
“What’s up? I told you to call later.”
A lazy, teasing voice came through the other end. “Luca. I’m flying out this afternoon… so I booked us an appointment at
City Hall. Ten minutes from now. I want the certificate before I go.”
‘Ten minutes?” He let out a low laugh. That eager?”
When he hung up. Marco walked over. “Who was that?”
“Serena. Luca pocketed his phone. His eyes were bright. “She’s flying out this afternoon. She insists on getting the
certificate first. You know how stubborn she gets when she wants something.”
Marco raised an eyebrow. “What about the wedding-?”
“What’s the rush?” Luca shrugged. “The ceremony’s still two hours away. I’ll hit City Hall first. Ten minutes, in and out. If
I don’t handle this. Serena will throw a fit at the airport.”
Marto didn’t push it.
Luca walked up beside me and draped an arm over my shoulder. He nodded at the photographer. “Get a shot of us. For
the memories.”
*Click.*
Done.
He checked his watch. “Alright. That’s enough for now. I have to go or I’ll miss my appointment.”
He turned toward another car.
“Luca.”
I stood where I was. Called his name.
He paused. Looked back. Still wore that careless, everything-under-control expression.
“If you leave now,” I said, each word deliberate, ‘I’m going to find another groom for this wedding.”
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