Married by 9, Divorced by 5

Chapter 9: Rehearsals, Revelations, and Regrets

The week before the wedding should have been a peaceful montage of flower arranging, dress fittings, and awkward family introductions. Instead, it felt like a reality show where every episode ends in a dramatic cliffhanger—starring me, Bentley, and the ever-looming Hazel.

The wedding rehearsal was supposed to be the calm before the storm. Instead, it was the storm.

Bentley and I stood awkwardly at the altar, surrounded by an army of florists, photographers, and three too many people named “Karen.” The officiant was patiently trying to run through vows, but honestly, I was too busy trying not to glare at Hazel—who somehow was invited. Again. By Bentley.

“Why is she here?” I hissed under my breath.

Bentley gave me a look that said not now, but his jaw was clenched so tight I thought it might snap.

Then Hazel stepped forward, all innocence and perfume. “I just wanted to say something before this farce continues.”

Bentley’s eyes darkened. “Hazel—”

“No,” she interrupted. “Lila deserves to know the truth.” She turned to me, voice dripping with fake sympathy. “Bentley and I weren’t just some casual fling. He promised me a future. We planned a life.”

I laughed. “That’s rich, coming from the woman who sent me that ‘anonymous’ photo.”

The crowd shifted, sensing tension thicker than wedding cake frosting.

Bentley finally broke in, voice low and controlled. “Hazel, enough. You’re here to sabotage a day that’s not yours.”

Hazel smirked, eyes gleaming. “Maybe I am. But maybe I’m saving Lila from a man who still hasn’t figured out what he wants.”

The words hit harder than I expected. For a moment, I saw the doubt flicker in Bentley’s eyes. Then he turned to me.

“Lila,” he said quietly, “I’ve been hiding things from you. Not because I wanted to hurt you, but because I was scared.”

“Scared of what?” I challenged.

“Of losing you,” he admitted. “And of facing the mistakes I made with Hazel.”

I wanted to believe him, but trust felt like a fragile vase that might shatter with one wrong move.

Just then, the rehearsal hit peak chaos.

Bentley tripped over the floral arrangement.

I tried to catch him but ended up falling into his arms.

The crowd gasped.

Hazel laughed.

Bentley whispered, “I guess I’m falling for you, Lila. Trip or not.”

I smiled, heart pounding.

Maybe this crazy, messy fake marriage was turning into something real after all.

Chapter 10: Wedding Bells and Plot Twists

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