Chapter 5
“I’m really going to marry her this time, Mich,” Tyler said, his voice heavy and low. “Don’t shake me up again. I’ve already done enough damage to Sharon.
“I know I’m happy with you. I really am, but I have to face reality. It’s time I walked into what they call the end of love–marriage.”
Tyler said it with a bitter laugh.
“Ty, why can’t I crash the wedding?
“You’ve already ditched her 100 times–why not make it 101?
“You’ve seriously never seen that movie? You’re like the guy version of the dreamy princess, and I’m the girl version of the messed–up hero. I’ll fight off the monster and take back the one I love!
“I’m charging in on a rainbow cloud–your fearless girl savior!
“Come on, wouldn’t that be so fun? So wild?
“Picture it! I’m the wedding singer. Halfway through the set, I run off with the groom. You in a tux, me with my guitar, and we’re sprinting across the lawn, hand in hand–racing toward freedom and love!
“It would be iconic. Like, art level iconic.”
Michelle was pulling out all the stops.
“Stop,” Tyler whispered, visibly trembling. “You’re giving me goosebumps all over.
0.00%
31
1317
130
1
Chapter 5
298 Vouchers
“Mich, you’re like a drug. I know you’re toxic, but I’m still addicted. Fine. I’ll do it. I’ll run away with you at the wedding.
“But this is it–the last runaway wedding, I swear! One final act of chaos, and then I’m settling down with Sharon. We’re done with the drama.
“No more weddings, either. We’ll just go sign the papers at City Hall and be done with it.
“Honestly, if we try to pull off one more ceremony, I’m afraid Sharon might actually lose her mind.”
Exactly as I expected–Tyler put up a token protest, then gave in.
And together, he and Michelle started plotting his 101st wedding
escape.
I didn’t interrupt–didn’t even bother retrieving my phone. I just walked away and left them to it.
Around noon, Tyler actually showed up at the office to bring back my phone.
He was once dedicated to the company. But ever since Michelle came into the picture, he barely showed up once every two weeks.
He probably figured it didn’t matter—as long as I was still there running the numbers, things wouldn’t fall apart.
“You left your phone at the café,” he said casually. “Can’t be so forgetful.
“Don’t do that on Sunday, okay? What if you forget me on our big day?”
31 16%
13 17
130
Chapter 5
288 Vouchers
He chuckled, trying to sound playful.
I smiled faintly but didn’t answer.
Because I wasn’t going to lose him. I was going to leave him behind.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Time flew by. Before I knew it, it was Saturday night.
The wedding was scheduled for Sunday morning at the castle.
“I’m doing a bachelor party tonight,” Tyler told me. “We’ll meet at the castle at ten sharp tomorrow. Don’t be late, okay?”
Sure, “bachelor party“.
We both knew that meant an all–nighter with Michelle and her band of misfits.
“Don’t worry,” I said calmly. “I’m never late.”
Sunday morning, 7:00 a.m. I got one last message from him.
“Already getting my makeup done–just wanted you to see the most handsome groom ever. Drive safe. I’ll be waiting.”
I stared at the screen. Then, without a word, I blocked his number. Deleted every contact and hailed a cab to the airport.
At 9:00 a.m., my plane shot into the sky.
At 10:00 a.m., Tyler stood at the gates of the castle, dressed to the nines–sharp tux, perfect hair, picture–ready smile.
Thousands of influencers were already swarming the place, cameras and mics in hand, breathless with anticipation.
64.01%
31
@
130
13 17
Chapter 5
288 Wouchers
They were all waiting for the bride, who had been ghosted 100 times, and betting on what outrageous stunt the groom would pull this time.
130
