Liam Pride and triumph fizz in my veins like champagne. Olivia looked like a queen as she
royally told those parasites off. I wanted to pick her up, spin her around and kiss her, but
that would have undermined her moment. So we left, heads held high like true victors.
Everyone’s expressions were priceless. I wish we could’ve taken photos. My phone starts
buzzing almost as soon as Olivia and I climb into the limo. And then it ke eps buzzing. “You
might want to answer that. Could be serious,” she says. I scowl. Is the company on fire?
Nothing short of that is worth the interruption. I yank my phone out, then stop. Oh. –Silas:
You’re married? –Finn: WTF? We didn’t even know! –Gideon: I think it’s AI. No way it’s real.
–Roarke: Winston doesn’t lie. –Me: Winston texted you? –Roarke: Yes, and it’s all over social
media. The bride invited a bunch of influencers and they shared. I turn to Olivia, letting a
slow smile spread over my face. “It appears that Brielle invited influencers.” She laughs.
“That’s so her. She loves to show off.” “Bitch.” She gasps. “Liam.” “What?” “I never thought
you’d say such a word!”
“Bitch. Bitch. Brielle is a bitch. I hope she falls into a ditch full of diarrhea.” Olivia bursts
out laughing. “That’s so immature, but funny.” I join her. “I’m glad I’m making you laugh.”
–Xavier: You better watch it. Czarina’s going to come for you. Fuck. I really don’t want to
deal with her right now. –Rhys: Did you honestly go and get married and not tell us or invite
us? We aren’t THAT embarrassing! –Me: You’re on a honeymoon with Max. –Rhys: I
would’ve come back. I have to smile. He would have, too, because he’s like the father I
never had, even though we’re only seven years apart. –Me: I wouldn’t want to do that to
Max. –Rhys: She’d understand. She likes you. You’re family, Liam. –Xavier: Just stay away
from Czarina. Nothing good will happen. “Czarina?” Olivia says, glancing at the screen.
“My—well, our—grandmother. She’s going to want an explanation.” “Oh.” Olivia bites her
lip. “Do you think she’ll be upset that she didn’t get invited?” “Probably, but don’t worry
about it. I’ll handle it.” “No. We’ll handle it together. It takes two to marry, so...” She
shrugs. “As for your brothers, I should meet them. Get their blessings and make it all
proper.” I study her expression. If she thought she could use them as an excuse to end the
marriage for sure... “Don’t worry about them. They’ll love you.” “But—” “Hey, what’s
important is how I feel about you. They’ll love you because...” I hesitate, knowing it’s too
soon. “You make me happy and I like you.” Unshed tears shimmer in her eyes. The corners
of her mouth twitch as she struggles to smile but fails. I don’t know why hearing that
someone loves her makes her want to cry. But it’s probably because of what her so- called
family did to her over the years.
I blow out a breath and gather her into my arms, then run a soothing hand over her shaking
back. “Hey, it’s okay. My brothers don’t eat new sisters-in-law for dinner. I promise.” She
chokes, then lets out a teary laugh. “Okay. I trust you.” She extends a hand. “Can I?”
“Yeah.” I give her my phone after unlocking it. She starts typing. Hello, this is Olivia, Liam’s
wife. I’m sorry we didn’t get to invite you. It was a very sudden ceremony, due to some
circumstances on my end. Anyway, I’d love to make it up to you in some way. Just let me
know. She hits send and waits, her mouth pursed tight. My phone instantly buzzes again.
–Silas: Hi, Olivia! A new sister-in-law! I’m sure it was Liam’s doing, not you. –Gideon: You
didn’t know about us, but he did. –Rhys: Max, my wife, wants to meet up. We should do a
dinner or brunch. Whichever. –Silas: I’ll host it. –Finn: Of course you will. Otherwise we’ll
end up in the ER. Olivia laughs. “Are they always this chatty?” “We’re busy, so it’s hard to
meet in person. So we tend to group text a lot.” “Is Silas going to have Frederich cook for
us?” “Better. He’ll cook. Don’t worry, he’s good. You’ll love him.” Her eyes light up, the
earlier heartache gone from her beautiful face. As long as she’s happy, I can deal with
anything. But late that night, the tabloids explode with ugly insinuations.