Married To My Exs Best Friend Chapter 1

When I was dating my boyfriend, Bradford “Brad” Jennings, his best friend, Declan Shaw, was constantly running me down.

“She’s got nothing going for her but a pretty face.”

“Checking up on him just for a drink? She’ll walk all over you once you put a ring on it.”

“Be a man, Jennings. Don’t be a doormat, alright?”

Goaded by Declan’s constant jabs, Brad ended up dumping me without a second thought.

Two months later, he had second thoughts. He called late one night, desperate to get back together.

But it wasn't Brad who answered the phone. It was Declan Shaw.

“Buddy, truth is, the moment I first laid eyes on your girlfriend, I knew you and I were going to be lifelong friends.”

“Oh, and by the way, we’re getting married next month. Don’t forget the gift.”

* * *

Declan Shaw was introduced to me by Brad at some high-status mixer.

“Baby, this is Declan. The big man.”

Brad’s tone, as he introduced us, was clearly deferential. I looked over, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

Declan was sitting at the center of a small, admiring group, his expression casual, his face arresting. He exuded an air of undeniable generational wealth, far surpassing Brad’s inherited fortune.

He was far more valuable than Brad.

I offered a polite greeting: “Declan, nice to meet you. I’m Delaney Wells.”

Declan didn't nod or speak. He simply stared at me.

He stared for two, maybe three, seconds.

Finally, he asked Brad:

“Your girlfriend?”

“Yeah, man. The one I told you about.”

“Huh.”

Declan suddenly turned away, his expression bored and impatient, dismissing me completely.

I shifted awkwardly, scratching my head. Even my generally optimistic nature couldn’t ignore the creeping feeling: this alpha male did not like me.