He's Married Yet Desperate to Stop My Wedding

I've known Colton for a decade, and for every single one of those years, I've been in love with him.

In all that time, I witnessed all his little scandals about him and his rumored girlfriends.

Then, came the 11th year, and he announced he was getting married.

To someone who isn't me.

I didn't cry, I didn't make a scene—I just quietly moved my stuff out of the Wrights' place.

Everyone assumed I was just being dramatic, even betting on whether I'd show up and try to steal the groom at his wedding.

But I didn't.

The very next day, paparazzi broke the news that me—the adopted girl of the Wrights—and Leander—the youngest son of the Labinskis—were picking out a diamond ring.

With bloodshot eyes and gritted teeth, Colton spat out, "Hillary, I won't let you be with that bastard!"

Leander stepped in front of me, smirking as he pulled out a marriage license. "Too late. We're getting married."

——

Years ago...

The Wrights were in turmoil, and my dad got caught up in a mess during that whole business conflict—no guns involved, but he ended up taking a hit just to protect Colton's dad.

Out of gratitude, Colton's dad adopted me and the family raised me like their own.

I was 16 then.

And that's when I met Colton.

He was this tall, lean young guy with sharp features and a perfect look. But his eyes—blue and deep—completely hooked me.

And me? I was just the daughter of the family's former driver.

That feeling of inferiority snuck up and planted itself in me right then and there.

But I had no idea this was only the start of our messy fate.

10 years.

I spent 10 years loving him.

I also always helped him through endless messes with one girl after another.

He'd even brag to his friends about how I was his "right-hand girl."

Everyone was used to it, even teasing us about it all the time.

"Bro, only Hillary can really put up with your BS."

"Quit tormenting other girls!"

"Just settle with her already!"

I thought I'd be there for him forever.

But then...

On his birthday, I heard the news: he was getting married.

"Getting married? What about Hillary?"

Someone blurted out the exact question that was stuck in my throat.

Colton just swirled his drink and tossed it back in one gulp. "She's just like a little sister to me."

Translation? Never in a million years, he'd marry me.

Everyone turned to look at me, waiting to see how I'd react.

I'd only just found out about the wedding myself, so I managed a bitter smile.

I slipped out under the pretense of needing the restroom, needing some air.

Just as I reached the door, about to close it, I heard voices behind me that made me freeze.

The room was dimly lit, and no one noticed I'd left the door slightly open, leaving a small gap.

"Come on, Hillary's been into you for years. Don't you feel anything for her?"

Colton just smiled it off, and every word was heart-piercing. "You wanna feel something?"

"Wow, cold. Aren't you worried she'll be heartbroken?"

"Right? Hillary's head over heels for you!"

"Bet she's in the restroom crying her eyes out right now…"

They talked and laughed, turning my feelings for him into something they could make fun of.

And Colton was right there with them, barely caring. It was like he took a knife and carved it right through my chest.

I couldn't stay in that room after that. I made up an excuse and left first.

Over the phone, I heard Colton's friends laughing in the background.

His voice sounded annoyed before he hung up with: "You know, you don't have to update me about every little damn thing."

It was then that I realized—I'd been so cheap.

The next day, Colton brought his fiancée to another party.

She was gorgeous—slim, confident, and elegant.

When she stood beside him, they looked like a perfect couple.

Everyone crowded around them, teasing her "Mrs. Wright" and complimenting her, "Oh, you look so gorgeous!"

I kept my distance, just watching them quietly.

Then Colton called my name, and the whole room went silent.

With his arm wrapped around his fiancée's waist, and introduced me to her. "This is that ‘little sister' I told you about."

She looked me up and down, then scoffed, "Just as unimpressive as I expected."

The atmosphere suddenly went tense.

Colton stroked her head and agreed, "What'd you expect? She's just a small-town girl—of course, she's nowhere near your league, babe."

His words stabbed me deeply.

I clenched my fists so hard my nails dug into my palms.

But I was numb. Couldn't even feel the pain.

"Well, aren't you going to say hi to your future sister-in-law?"

Colton stared at me, annoyed, and gave me a little push when I didn't react fast enough.

Snapping out of it, I forced a polite smile and said, "Hi… future Mrs. Wright."

"From now on, if you need anything, go to her, not me. She doesn't like me being bothered."

"That won't happen anymore."

I forced down everything I felt and gave them both a fake smile. "I'll move out of your family's place soon, so I won't bother you anymore."

And with that, I walked away as fast as I could, terrified that I'd lose control of my emotions in front of everyone.