l-chiseled jawline, and the kind of presence that made people take a second lo

gineer. A br

within months, it became a high-demand commodity. He sold the rights to the highest bidder but made sure to inclu

n't everythin

istan often felt like a ghost in his own life-present, but hollow insi

. until th

e to. His mother had forced him to attend the wedding of h

had said. "It would be an insult if my son did

edding into another one of her matchmaking schemes. She'd

, and well-connected. She'd loved Tristan since they were kids-but

be had clung to hope. His mother, e

d her gently but firmly, "Phoebe, I care about you. But not

cursed, and

til she called crying one night. He caved and agreed to go on a few d

es. Fiv

disa

her order. Another slapped him for arriv

was elegant, charming-and utterly obsessed with image. Before each outing, she'd text him:

he forgot to wear his most expensive watch. When she notice

can't be seen with someone who lo

r number and

e up again," he s

up before she

is father convinced

is father said. "But I under

gs up with his mother-only t

d feeling,

ere sh

dding gown, marrying the groo

crowd and winked. Then she dramatically fixed her

ut loud. He'd dodged a m

g line of guests heading up to greet the n

. Confused at first.

u. Last time I saw you, you were shor

ion-you were shorter. I w

n, I've followed your success. You built

lty. But you're not doing bad

d with a forced smile. "Don

ed a brow. "

posing for pictures, then sighed.

ying one of the most beautiful women in

you before m

went on a couple dates. Nothing ser

d, shaking his head. "You'

d gestured for him to sit. "Alrigh

weeks ago. I met her, was smitten by her beaut

rowned. "

a gambling addiction, misuses company funds... it's a mess. But he's well-connected-and my father wants those connec

disguised as a love stor

went shopping at designer stores for

ivia?" Tristan

work late. Next thing she saw were photos of me and her at a mall. I lied. Told her it was

at's brutal. But wh

two weeks. If they find out the company's bankrupt, the board will dissol

bride?" Tr

hter-in-law is her big break. She's obsessed with status. This morning, she s

th turned at the

dress cost? There are more zeros in that

at a steward who'd nearly

made exclusively for me! Get o

d practica

heading this way. I shoul

u the best, man. It won't be eas

nto a hug. "Learn from my mistake, Tristan. Ne

nd made his way

heartbreaking-and eye-opening. He needed to stand fi

en he heard

his mother said, rushing over. "Isn't this wedding love

p breath. Her

to someone," she added,

ot now, Mother. I'm a bit

dded. "Fine. But don't sneak out a

steward. "Take hi

ed and rubbe

... and maybe a