Sadie’s heart didn’t even ache anymore. It just… sighed. Once upon a time, Lauren was her best friend. They’d shared secrets, sleepovers, even their wedding dreams. Eight years ago, they stayed up all night picking flowers for their bouquets. Now here she was, circling Sadie like a hyena.“The gown looks good on you,” Lauren smirked, trailing her eyes over the fabric as if she’d bought it herself.“Are you not tired of this?” Sadie finally snapped. “When did it all rot between us?”Lauren froze, then tilted her head with a smile that didn’t touch her eyes. “You really don’t remember?”“It’s been so long, Lauren! I forgave you after you screwed Cox behind my back—even when you knew we were getting married!”Lauren scoffed. “Forgave me?” Her lips curled cruelly. “Sleeping with Cox was foreplay, darling. You haven’t even seen the main act. By the time I’m done, you’ll beg for the days when all I did was steal your fiancé.”“What did I ever do to you?”Instead of answering, Lauren grabbed

The question caught Charles off guard. He blinked, clearly not expecting that from her. Did he think he was some fairytale prince sweeping her away? Did he think she’d just sit there like a grateful little damsel?“Pull over,” she ordered.Charles frowned. “Why? There’s nothing around here—”“I said stop the car.”Her tone left no room for argument.Confused but wary, Charles eased the car to the shoulder.“You’re not getting out, Sadie,” he warned as she reached for the door handle.“Why not? Because I’ll just screw something else up and you’ll have to swoop in again?” she shot back, voice dripping with venom.Charles’ jaw tightened. “What the hell is wrong with you?”“What the hell isn’t wrong?!” Her voice cracked, rising with every word. “You just ruined my career in front of everyone! You made me look like your pathetic little girlfriend on live broadcast—and you’re asking what’s wrong with me?!”Tears finally burst free, hot and furious.“Did I ask you to do that for me?”Charles