Take Him Chapter 1

The ceremony had reached the exchanging of the rings when my husband suddenly announced he needed to pause for five minutes.

Then, he turned, walked over to his unforgettable first love, and dropped to one knee.

“Lily,” he said, his voice ringing through the silent hall, “I once promised you that I would propose in front of everyone. So, in another life, would you marry me?”

Lily covered her mouth, nodding through her tears as she threw herself into my husband’s arms. Then she looked over at me. “Grace, even though I won’t get the chance to marry Julian in this lifetime, I hope you’ll take good care of him for me.”

Whispers and stares pricked at me from all sides.

Across from me, the groom was locked in a passionate kiss with another woman.

Everyone was waiting, watching, ready to see the bride become a laughingstock.

Instead, I smiled and walked toward Lily. I shoved my bridal bouquet into her hands. “What do you mean, no chance? If you can’t let go of this piece of trash, then by all means, you can have him.”

* * *

For ten years, I humbled myself, bending over backwards to please Julian’s family, desperate for their approval.

In the end, it was only the baby in my belly that earned me this long-overdue wedding.

I thought that once we were married, once the child was born, Julian would finally settle down.

But now, I was watching the man who was supposed to be vowing his life to me, kissing someone else as if I didn’t exist.

I dug my nails so deep into my palms that they drew blood, but my heart still ached with a pain so sharp it felt like I couldn't breathe.

And in that moment, something inside me snapped.

My words made Lily clutch her chest and collapse into Julian’s arms.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he swept her up and rushed toward the exit, shouting over his shoulder that I was a “vicious, petty bitch.”

He yelled that it was a simple five-minute gesture, but I had to make it into a humiliating spectacle for everyone.

Neither his parents nor mine could stop him.

And so, I was left to face the fallout alone.

The officiant stood awkwardly, holding his script.

My mother, ashamed of me, started hitting my arm, sobbing that I had to go chase after Julian and bring him back.

My father just snorted, told me to sort out my own mess, and dragged my mother away.

My mother-in-law, who had never thought I was good enough, now sneered that I was a classless country bumpkin. She lectured me that to marry into a family like theirs, I had to learn to swallow my pride and not embarrass my husband in public.

For the first time in ten years, I realized that devotion doesn't always earn devotion in return.

And I no longer wanted to be a part of the Thorne family.

They left with the remaining guests, telling me to walk home and think about what I’d done.

I stood at the entrance, holding the white satin of my wedding dress, and watched them drive away.

Behind me, the hotel was silent and empty.

In front of me, the sky opened up and a torrential downpour began.

After the Thornes and their guests were gone, a car pulled up. It was my parents.

My mother rolled down the window. The sight of them made all the grief and humiliation I’d been holding back surge forward. My voice was a raw whisper as I choked out, “Mom.”

I reached for the door handle, but I heard the click of the locks engaging.

I stared at them, stunned.

My mother’s voice was sharp with disappointment. “I told you this would happen. Now you listen to your in-laws, go home and reflect. Figure out a way to win Julian back. You’re carrying their grandchild. No matter what, that Lily girl can’t take your place.”

“Mom, how can you say that…”

She ignored me, rolling up the window as the car sped away, leaving me standing in the rain.

I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood, watching the taillights disappear into the storm. The tears I’d been holding back finally broke free.