Page 10 of Not His Bride

“You’re blocking me for five-million-dollars?”

Someone at one of the tables lets out a short breath that might have been a laugh under any other circumstances. Nobody joins them.

“It’s not only about the profits. He’s on several lists. Second place, nationally.”

“Second place in what?”

“Nation’s sexiest bachelors. Your ranking is fifth.”

There’s a ripple through the room at that. Muscles move on my husband’s tight jaw.

“That’s a factor for you.”

“My Debbie deserves the best.”

My stomach pulls tight. I know I’m not the favorite daughter, but to hear it so bluntly in the video stings.

“Lilith is what you’re offering, then.”

Every fork, every glass in this room, freezes.

My father answers, “Only option on the table.”

“Fine, Lilith, then.”

Gallagher’s chair shifts beside me.

Earlier today, he stood across from me and promised to see me as I actually am. I know that was after this video took place, but it still hurts.

“I’ll hire Lilith a stylist and have her focus on keeping house and organizing parties. She’s no Debbie, but I’ll make it work.”

Gallagher says my name beside me, but fuck that. My chest feels like it’s being sat on. My father, mother, Debbie, Gallagher, they’re all sitting on my chest, laughing in my face.

My hands close over the silk of my skirt, fierce enough to leave marks. I force myself not to flinch, not to look at Gallagher, who has gone utterly still beside me.

Instead, I look at Debbie. Her smile never wavers.

The video plays again on loop. I don’t recognize my own heartbeat. I don’t recognize the person sitting at this table. Everything in me wants to get up and walk out, but there’s nowhere to go, not with every powerful person in New York watching.

Still, I stand.

I walk to the microphone mounted at the center of the dais, the one meant for toasts and my humiliation. It takes a second for my voice to come, and when it does, it’s cold.

“I’d like to request an immediate annulment.” I keep my eyes on Debbie. “Effective tonight.”

That breaks the room. A single inhale, multiplied by three hundred.

“Clearly, this arrangement was not entered in good faith.”

The audio on the wall cuts as someone in tech finally kills the feed.

I turn from the mic, walk right past Gallagher—who has not moved, not even to reach for me—and step off the platform.

Chapter 5

Gallagher

My hands are on the table when Lilith walks past me.