CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

MOLLY

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The entire wedding was beautiful. Payton hasn't stopped smiling and I'm certain she's going to have a sore face tomorrow.

Totally worth it.

I've never seen two people more in love.

Knox is besotted with her.

Meanwhile, I've been working toward an academy award pretending I'm having a great time and ignoring Atlas, who is staring daggers at me.

Today was not the day to confront him or discuss this. We've both had roles to play and other people to think of.

I saw Levi glance between us at one point and I'm sure he knows we've been sleeping together. In saying that, he's been surrounded by a number of young women who seem to be throwing themselves at him.

Shameless.

Is that how I looked all weekend?

I know he's confused, and I don't blame him for being annoyed with me. Then I remember Harlow's text message and all I can think is fuck you, asshole.

Steve's face flashes in and out.

I just want to go home.

I don't want to see Atlas again, and I am over dating men.

From now on I'm focusing on Brand Alchemy and making it a success. My goal is to set myself up financially. Love can happen later.

I probably need some therapy before I can attract the right man. It sure didn't happen this weekend.

Don't they say that what you think on the inside manifests on the outside?

Whatever it is that I do to attract disloyal men needs to change.

He's all yours, Harlow.

I sip the last of my champagne and glance around. For once, I don't see Atlas shooting daggers my way, so I excuse myself from the conversation I've been having then make my way into the house to use the restroom.

I'm just about to round the corner inside the house when I hear two male voices.

"She thinks it's possible," Atlas says. "I know it's still a long shot, but I have to believe what she says."

"Bro, that's awesome. Harlow is a nice girl." Levi says. "She didn't need to do this."

Fuck.

"I know. I honestly wasn't sure if she would. I've been waiting all weekend for her answer."

The motherfucker.

All those messages and glancing at his phone while he was with me was with her.

I knew it.

I should have trusted my instincts.

I lift my chin and walk past the hallway, through the house and upstairs to my room, using the bathroom in there.

Then I pace the floor of the bedroom, too furious to return downstairs.

The absolute asshole.

Ten, then twenty minutes pass and eventually my fury fades and the inevitable pain appears. Tears start pouring down my face as I whack myself in the face trying to reject the heartache.

How did I let myself fall for this man?

I knew he was bad news the moment he said he shouldn't have touched me on his birthday.

Now I know why.

He always had Harlow in the background. They must've broken up, but he was trying to get back together with her again.

I was just a fuck.

I only want you.

Lies. It was all lies. I asked Atlas to lie to me after all. I said, just for tonight.

But that doesn't excuse his deceit.

This is just like Steve.

Here I am in a beautiful dress facing the truth that a man I love is with another woman.

I wipe away a tear.

Glancing around, I make a quick decision. I can't stay. Suddenly I start gathering up my things and throwing them in my bag. I pull on some jeans, rip off my dress and find a sweatshirt and pair of Nikes.

I won't be the laughingstock of the Montgomery and Dufort families.

I know I should tell Payton but it's her wedding day. I want her to enjoy it.

She doesn't know about Steve. All she knows is that I was engaged but not why it ended. I'll explain once her special day is over.

Now, I've done my duty as her bridesmaid.

I have to look after my own heart.

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TEN MINUTES LATER, the Uber I booked pulls up outside and I slip out of the house unnoticed.

When I arrive at the airport, I buy a seat on the next flight home to Philadelphia. Then I curl up in one of the plastic airport seats and hug my bag while I wait for my flight to be called.

I feel like one of those jilted heroines in a movie who ran away from their own wedding. My hair is still up and despite the tear lines down my cheeks, I have a stupid amount of makeup on.

Broken glam.

That's what I'd call it if I was to market this look for my clients. Whatever. I'm too drunk and broken hearted to care what anyone thinks.

I message Payton knowing she'll worry I've been kidnapped or something when she eventually notices that I'm missing.

It could be tonight or in the morning.

But at least I've told someone where I am.

Sorry, had to race home. Hope the rest of the night was amazing. Congratulations again, Mrs. Montgomery. Molly xx

Mrs. Montgomery.

God I'm a fool. As if Atlas would fall in love with me and I'd end up the next Montgomery bride.

I'm such an idiot!

My flight is called, and I stand, gathering my things. Then walk up to the gate and hand them my ticket.

It's time to go home.

Goodbye Atlas.