For years, Hudson had played the part of a frugal, hardworking man in front of me. Even when I bought him flowers on Valentine’s Day, he called it wasteful. Said money wasn’t easy to earn and it should be spent wisely. Turns out, it wasn’t that he didn’t like spending—it was that he didn’t like spending on me.
Watching him flaunt his money for Samantha, I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly to myself.
“Smash it all,” I thought. “Let’s see if you can actually pay for the damage later.”
No sooner had he left than Bradley Langford rushed in. He helped me up, worry etched across his face. Only after making sure I wasn’t seriously hurt did he breathe again.
“I thought you’d changed your mind about marrying me. Didn’t expect someone came to trash your store instead. Was it Hudson? I’ll make him pay,” he growled.
I grabbed his arm before he could storm off.
“Has Hudson been trying to negotiate a big contract with you lately?”
Bradley blinked, confused, but nodded anyway, his hands still gently bandaging mine. Pulling out my phone, I checked the calendar. A plan was already forming in my head.
Later, when we arrived at a bridal boutique, Bradley stepped aside to take a call. I went in alone—only to run straight into Hudson and Samantha.
Hudson was still processing why I was there when Samantha piped up. “No matter how much you love Huddy, you can’t just stalk us everywhere we go, Madeline.”
The words clicked everything into place for him.
“Madeline, have you no shame?” he shouted. “Following me around like some pathetic shadow won’t do you nothing. You’ll never catch my eye again.”
What a bunch of lunatics. I tried to walk past, but Samantha blocked my way. She waved over a clerk.
“Everything in this store’s expensive, right? You shouldn’t be letting strays wander in.” Her gaze cut right at me.
Hudson, ever eager to echo her, chimed in. “She’s right. People without money shouldn’t touch things they can’t afford. One mistake and you’ll owe more than your net worth.”
I almost laughed. The man who once couldn’t even lift his head to walk into luxury stores now dared to say I wasn’t worthy. I’d been the one who taught him how to carry himself.
The clerk, nervous not to offend Hudson, motioned for me to leave. Anger burned in my chest. “You’re right. Any store that lets the two of you in clearly doesn’t sell quality goods.” I sneered. I spun on my heel, leaving Hudson red-faced, shouting after me.
“Madeline, don’t flatter yourself thinking I owe you everything I have! Mr. Langford himself invited me to his wedding!”
Outside the boutique, Bradley was waiting, looking puzzled when I stepped out empty-handed.
“Didn’t find anything good?” he asked.
“I’m just gonna wear limited-edition couture. You still up for it?”
Then, a hefty transfer hit my account. I lifted my eyes and caught Bradley smiling warmly at me. The fire in my chest eased. Even with little time, Bradley managed to give me a grand wedding. Every detail was tailored to my tastes.
As I walked down the aisle to the music, a familiar voice suddenly rang out.
“Madeline! What the hell are you doing here?”
Hudson shot to his feet, disbelief written all over his face, striding straight toward me.
