My fiancé cancelled our wedding for the tenth time because his “little sister” wanted him to “perform” a grand ceremony with her as the groom. He soothed me the same way every time: “It’s just to make her happy. Her parents died saving mine; you know that. You’re the one I love most.” I swallowed it, again and again, believing my patience would finally be rewarded. But on the eve of what was supposed to be our real wedding, his family dragged me into the punishment room, because I’d refused to be his sister’s bridesmaid.
Chapter 1
Abigail Bowman's slender fingers traced the diamond-encrusted wedding dress. She'd failed to put it on nine times.
Clayton Frost hugged her from behind. "Bea said she wanted to play bride. I just needed to play along. I assured her parents I'd fulfill her needs ten times, whatever she required, and this is the last. Abby, you've always been the most understanding."
Understanding? This word struck like a dagger, piercing the softest part of her heart.
In the nine times before, every canceled wedding had come with that praise.
She was understanding, because she'd accepted him dashing from the wedding to fly abroad, fetching Beatrice, who'd lost her passport and sobbed.
She'd comprehended him rushing to the hospital on their wedding day, to be with Beatrice after a minor car crash.
She'd put up with Clayton delaying the wedding all because he was afraid of upsetting Beatrice, who'd threatened suicide after her boyfriend dumped her.
Those flimsy, absurd excuses had chippe
