Trevor turned and picked up the still-sniffling Sophia, then strode back toward the hotel.
They left everyone behind to stare and whisper about me.
I ignored every single look and pulled the towel tighter around my shoulders.
Then, right in front of everyone, I took off the towel, still warm with his touch, and tossed it into the trash just like I did to the shredded wedding dress last night.
I turned and walked back to my room, locking the door behind me.
I picked up my phone and opened the black profile picture labeled Jordan. "Jordan, does what you said three years ago still stand?"
Less than three seconds after I sent the message, the typing indicator appeared at the top of the screen.
"It does. Anytime."
I sighed and sent him the hotel's location. "Come pick me up tomorrow at 10:00 am."
I set my phone down.
Since Trevor loved using my boundaries to indulge his precious childhood friend, I'd like to see how he managed when those limits vanished entirely.
I skipped the bachelorette party that night.
A little later, my phone screen lit up.
Someone had sent me a screenshot of Sophia's social media post.
The photo showed her lying on a hotel suite bed wearing a man's dress shirt. She was playing with a dark navy tie.
It was one of Trevor's favorites. I'd picked it out for his birthday last year.
The caption read: "Some people are just phases in his life. I'm the one he'll end up with in the end."
Trevor's expensive Patek Philippe watch was clearly visible in the corner of the photo.
I saved the screenshot and blocked the sender.
At 11:00 pm. that night, someone knocked on my door.
I opened it to find Trevor standing at the threshold, reeking of alcohol. His collar hung open slightly, and the navy tie was indeed gone.
"Helena, you're still awake?"
He walked into the room and shut the door behind him before dropping onto the couch. He rubbed his temples. "We need to make a small change to tomorrow's ceremony."
"How small?" I asked coldly.
Trevor looked up. His eyes flickered for a second before turning firm again.
"Let Sophia walk down the aisle tomorrow."
The room went silent for several seconds.
I stared at him. It felt like looking at a stranger. "What did you just say?"
He took a deep breath and walked over to me.
His hand settled against the back of my neck, and he slowly stroked it.
"Her depression is getting worse. She's holding broken glass and refusing to let anyone near her, Helena. This is serious," he explained. "It's only a few minutes on the aisle. She won't be part of the vow. You'll still be Mrs. Gibson."
He wanted to strip me of my place as the bride walking down the aisle and let his mistress take it instead.
He even wanted me to sit below the stage in a bridesmaid dress while they exchanged vows.
The audacity.
The affectionate expression on his face made my stomach churn. I slapped his hand away. "You really think I'd agree to that?"
Trevor's expression darkened. His grip on the back of my neck tightened.
"I said it's just part of the ceremony. We spent six months planning this wedding. What exactly are you making such a fuss about?
"Do you seriously need to compete with a sick person over something this meaningless? Are you really going to ignore someone's life over a title?"
I stared at him. All the rage building in my chest suddenly disappeared.
Then, I smiled. Brightly.
"Okay. I'll do it."
Trevor froze.
He stepped forward and pulled me into his arms, resting his chin against the top of my head.
"You've been so understanding," he murmured. "After tomorrow, I promise everything will go back to normal."
I took a step back and avoided his embrace.
"As long as you stay below downstage and watch quietly, I'll take you on our honeymoon the second the ceremony's over."
