That night, I hopped on a video call with Quentin. First time seeing him since my second shot at life, and yeah—I was a little jittery.

We'd already planned to hit the County Clerk's Office the morning he got back. Even though we were about to tie the knot, things between us still felt kinda new. A little awkward, even.

Then Shane called. "Mirelle, where'd you get the cash for that fancy dress? Don't tell me you're doing shady stuff behind my back. And you wore that gown just to piss off Ceryn, didn't you?

"I told you to stay away from my fiancée! You're planning some fake wedding just to trap me, right?

"Newsflash—I'm never marrying you, no matter what stunt you pull!

I'd been floating after my chat with Quentin.

Shane killed the vibe. I snapped. "Shane Fuchner, this is the last time I'm saying it—I'm not marrying you!"

Didn't matter. No matter how many times I said it, he just wouldn't get it.

Later that night, Shane posted some cringe status:

[Getting our license on the 18th with my first love. Come witness our happiness!]

Good for them. Really. Cute.

Too bad I was getting mine with Quentin—same day.

Shane had been off playing fiancé with Ceryn, snapping engagement pics and leaving me alone for once.

On the big day, I stood outside the County Clerk's Office in a wedding dress worth more than his ego, waiting on Quentin.

Just picturing his face when he saw me had me grinning like an idiot.

I'd timed it so Shane and Ceryn were already inside before I got out of the car. Last thing I wanted was drama on a day like this.

Still didn't work.

"Mirelle?"

Some random guy behind me called out, loud enough to turn heads—including Shane's crew in line.

"Oh wow, today's Shane and Ceryn's big moment and look who shows up in full bridal gear. Talk about obsessed—chasing your ex in a wedding dress? Yikes."

Shane clocked the noise and walked over. The second he saw me, his face twisted.

"Mirelle, what the hell are you doing? Dressed like that? Seriously? You really think pulling something like this is gonna change my mind? Forget it. I'm never marrying you. Ceryn's the only one I want."

He yanked Ceryn to his side, smirking like he'd just won something.

I let out a dry laugh—too stunned to even get mad. "I told you—I'm not marrying you. This dress? Not for you. My fiancé's showing up any minute, so back off."

Cue the peanut gallery. His friends cracked up, calling me desperate, pathetic, Shane's little lapdog begging for scraps.

"Mirelle, this whole playing-hard-to-get thing? Tired. Shane's getting his license with Ceryn—time to let it go."

"If you're that thirsty to get married, just take one of us. Honestly, I'd love to see Shane's loyal mutt crawling after me."

Shane chuckled, all smug. "She's that dull and still got fans? Go ahead—whoever wants her, take her. I wouldn't even keep her if she came gift-wrapped."

That did it. I raised my hand to slap him, but he caught my wrist mid-air.

I glared at him. "Shane, are you deaf? I said I'm not marrying you. Never was."

Instead of getting pissed, he just laughed. "Yeah, right. You've been dying to marry me since you were five. You loved me so much you forced the engagement. And now you expect us to buy that you're marrying someone else?

"Sure. So where is he, huh? You've been out here long enough. Where's your mystery man?"

My face burned as I yanked my wrist free, his words slicing through me.

Then a deep voice behind me cut in.

"Shane, let her go."