Chapter 1
Ricky Grayton messaged me:
“The company has arranged for me to stay an extra night to discuss the project. I won’t be able to join you for the wedding photoshoot tomorrow.”
is tone was as cold and detached as always.
The photographer for the shoot was notoriously hard to book. I had secured an appointment a year in advance, but Ricky dismissed it as easily as swatting away a fly.
In the past, I would have relented.
“No problem. If we can’t go tomorrow, I’ll ask if we can reschedule for the day after. Let’s go together then.”
I would’ve continued fussing over him, asking how work was going and reminding him to eat properly while traveling.
But now? I glanced at the screen and sent back a single sticker: “Okay.”
I didn’t even bother typing words.
Why?
Because yesterday afternoon, when he arrived at the hotel, he uncharacteristically shared a video in the family group chat to check in.
I’d always known Ricky as someone who hated disclosing his whereabouts to anyone so this change struck me as unusual.
I marveled at his newfound consideration and eagerly clicked on the video, ready to compliment the hotel accommodations.
But when the video played, I was met with that same delicate, girlish voice:
“Is she really worth marrying?”
L
Chapter 1
“Youre so strong. Now I need to buy new stockings again.“‘
“I wish I could stay with you every day. What’s so good about that ugly woman at home?”
The luxurious suite had only one large bed–leaving no room for imagination.
Alarm bells started ringing in my head.
When I opened the final video, Ricky was lying on the bed, filming the ceiling as he panted
eavily.
The screen suddenly went black as the video ended.
With a soft, coaxing voice, he murmured:
“No one compares to you. You’re the best.”
This was a side of Ricky Grayton I’d never seen before.
To me, he had always been distant and aloof, with a cold and refined demeanor.
This was the first time I had heard him speak to someone with such warmth and genuine
affection.
Back when I was chasing him, I’d often say sweet things to him.
But he would frown deeply, his sharp and handsome features set in stone.
“Alexia Hilary, those words are disgusting. Can you not say them again?”
