Chapter 5
An hour later, there’s knocking at the door with Mason’s voice calling out.]
“Babe, can you please open up?“]
“You left so suddenly–our wedding’s completely ruined. I’ve been dealing with the aftermath with my parents this whole time, cleaning up the mess, and came straight here as soon as I could.“]
“Just open the door. Whatever’s wrong, let’s talk face to face. We’ve been together five years–are we really going to let one misunderstanding destroy everything?”
“Lily, I love you so much. Please, just let me see you.”
Hearing his pathetic begging. Chloe rolls her eyes hard.]]
“Men are such liars.“[
“Now he’s got plenty to say, but when you were getting humiliated on that stage, suddenly he was mute?”
Mom’s breathing heavily, her face tight with anger. I wasn’t going to open the door, but she can’t help herself and yanks it open
Behind Mason are three groomsmen and Riley, all looking like kicked puppies.]
“Mom-”
“Stop calling me Mom. I’m not your damn mother!
My mom’s shaking with rage and slaps Mason across the face without warning
In all her years of teaching, no matter how rebellious her students got, she never laid a hand on anyone. But today she actually hit Mason. She’s beyond furious.
“Mason, you begged me to let my daughter marry you! You promised to love and protect her forever!
“At that wedding, your family humiliated my daughter in the worst possible way. She’s never been treated like that in her entire life! This is what you call loving and protecting her?”
“Ma’am, that’s not really fair…” Riley pipes up. “It’s just our local tradition. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?“]
“Shut your mouth! Don’t think I don’t know what your’re pulling. When Mason came to pick her up, you threw out my daughter’s garter, and I let it slide.”
“See what’s happened now? And you think you can just smooth it over? If you’ve got feelings for Mason, fine–own up to it. But the shady crap of messing with another man’s wife? Totally out of line.“[]
“What’s that supposed to mean? Why are you blaming everything on me?“]
*Shut up, Riley, just stop talking,” Mason snaps at her.]
He turns back to my mom. “Mrs… ma’am, whatever happened, it’s all my fault”
“You’re absolutely right–I didn’t think this through. I only considered my family’s perspective, not yours or Lily’s.“]
“I came here to apologize and beg
for forgiveness. You can yell at me, hit me, whate
you want. I just need one more chance.”
Mason keeps spouting these remorseful words. His eyes are red, his lips trembling like he’s genuinely sorry.[]
But the whole time he’s talking, his phone keeps buzzing in his pocket. And it’s not just his phone–all three groomsmen and Riley are getting constant notifications too.
The groomsmen and Riley keep their heads down, fingers flying over their screens.]]
Something’s not right. I reach into Mason’s pocket and grab his phone.
I unlock it and open his messages.
Yep. Just what I thought.
The groomsmen and Riley are shit talking me in their group chat right fucking
now.
Derek: She’s so fucking entitled, won’t let anything gol Mason’s an idiot for falling for this bitch.
Ethan: Right? Weddings are supposed to be fun! She has zero sense of the big picture, just stormed off and left Mason hanging. So selfish!
Jake: Mason’s practically kissing her ass and she’s still playing hard to get. They’re already legally married anyway–like she’s actually gonna divorce him? She’d be damaged goods then. What guy would want her?]
Riley: That’s exactly why today was necessary. Mason needed to see this woman’s true colors. She claims to love him 5000 much but can’t handle a little drama.
Message after message, and I’m shaking with rage. My hands are trembling as I scroll up to see more.
I keep scrolling back to a week before the wedding.
Mason: Are you guys sure about this whole hazing thing? Lily’s got a temper and doesn’t take shit from anyone. Don’t scare my wife away…
Riley: Of course we’re doing it! She needs to be put in her place! Otherwise after you’re married, she’ll walk all over your
Ethan: Riley’s right. Your parents want to do it too, don’t they? After this little lesson, she’ll know not to mess with the Carter family and she’ll respect your parents.]
Derek: Totally agree. Women need to be kept in check so they know who’s really in charge.[]
Jake: I’m in! Let’s do this slut!
After reading all of this, I almost start laughing.
Laughing at how fucking stupid I was to get played by these pieces of shit.[]
A week before the wedding. I was so excited, ready to be the happiest bride in the world.]
I never imagined that my beloved fiancé was in his little boy’s club plotting how to humiliate me.[]
Is there anything more pathetic than that?
