Chapter 4

Two days later, Cole opened the basement door with a pleased smile. "Valerie isn't upset about you shoving her that day anymore. Grab your things. We're going to try on dresses and look at rings." They drove to a bridal shop. The moment Maya stepped out of the car, she spotted Valerie and Carter already waiting inside. Valerie hurried over, looking joyful. "Maya, there you are. I didn't get to congratulate you last time. Cole and I grew up together, so let me help you pick the perfect dress!" She looked at Maya, clearly hoping for a crack in her composure. Instead, Maya smiled and said, "Thanks. I appreciate it." A flicker of irritation crossed Valerie's face before she turned it into another bright grin. Looping an arm through Cole's and another through Carter's, she said pointedly, "Then, I'll try some on with you. I'm going to be a bride soon, too." "Congratulations," Maya answered calmly. The light in Valerie's eyes cooled. From then on, whenever Maya paused over a gown, Valerie would snap her fingers for a staff member and claim it first. Each time she stepped out of the fitting room, she caught Cole's hand and asked, "Cole, what do you think? Am I pretty?" Cole stared at her as if spellbound, showering her with praise, while Carter stayed close by Valerie's side. The two of them acted like Maya wasn't even there. A staff member sighed under her breath. "Some brides have all the luck." Valerie blinked in surprise, then turned to Maya, who stood off to the side like a bystander. "Sorry, Maya. You're the bride. You should go first." She gave Cole a playful smack on the chest. "Cole, what's with you? How could you leave your fiancee standing off to the side?" Awkward silence spread among the staff. Carter's mouth curled into a mocking smile. Only then did Cole glance at Maya. "See anything you like?" Maya picked a dress at random and went to change. When she came out, the three of them were gone. A staff member offered her an apologetic look. "Ms. Cross wanted to pick out rings, and they went with her. Do you want to..." "I'm fine," Maya said. She changed back, returned the dress, and walked out. Not long after, Valerie uploaded a shot of a diamond ring encrusted with gems. The caption said, "Cole bought it for me at a sky-high price." Maya only glanced at it before locking her phone and going back to packing. She set aside only clothes and essentials to take with her. Then, she cleared out her things, even the gifts she'd once given Cole, and stuffed them into a trash bag. She didn't touch anything he had ever given her. Just as she slid her suitcase into the closet, Cole walked in carrying a blue velvet box. "I picked this up at the auction. It's your ring." Maya instantly recognized it as the same freebie from Valerie's post. She took the box, set it on the dresser, and said nothing. Her cold reaction made Cole's brows crease. His gaze drifted to the trash can and found the couple's mugs she used to treasure. Unease flickered across his face. "Why'd you throw those out? Are you mad?" "No," Maya said, pressing her lips together. "Is this because of what happened at the bridal shop?" Cole pressed on, sounding certain. "Valerie is just my friend. We haven't seen each other in years, so I paid her a little extra attention. That's all." He slid an arm around her. "You don't need to be jealous. If there were anything between us, it would have happened long ago. You're my bride. You know where my heart is, right?" The words yanked something sharp inside her chest. Her eyes felt hot. Cole softened, ruffling her hair. "I'm sorry, Maya. I shouldn't have let you feel sidelined." Her fingers trembled, then curled into fists until her nails dug into her palms. For a heartbeat, she wanted to ask him about everything. She wanted to drag the truth into the light and force an answer about the last three years. The questions rose to her tongue, and she swallowed them back down. Just then, his phone rang. He quickly answered, "Valerie, I'm on my way." When he hung up, he smoothed a hand over Maya's hair. "I've got something to deal with. Get some rest. You'll be the most beautiful bride in a few days." He was out the door before the echo of his steps faded. Maya sat on the edge of the bed and blinked hard, forcing the tears down. Two hours later, she washed up and lay down, willing herself to sleep. She was drifting when the doorknob turned. Cole was supposed to be at a party with Valerie, but someone came in smelling of liquor. Buttons snapped as he tore at his shirt, then he flipped back her covers and climbed in. The instant his skin brushed hers, Maya snapped awake with the terrifying certainty that it was Carter above her.