My face heats. Sex with Sebastian is unlike anything I've experienced. My normal rule about only sleeping with a man who loves me and who I love no longer exists. Now that I gave in, I'm like an addict jonesing for another hit of him.

"Time for your dress. We have to get moving here," Ruby announces.

The nervousness flares all over. I stare at my wedding gown hanging against the door. It's beautiful. It's everything I could have ever wanted.

Too bad it's for the wrong guy.

Is it?

Of course it is. He's going to get our marriage annulled come January 2nd.

Ruby helps me get in my dress, and I stand in front of the full-length mirror. Too many emotions race through me as everybody fawns over me.

Evelyn claims it's time to leave.

We go outside, and a limo's waiting to transport Melanie, Emma, Isabella, and me to the secret garden.

The drive is short—too short. I've never felt so nervous. Emma and Isabella get out, then Melanie. I tell her, "I need a moment alone."

She scrunches her face, then sticks her head back inside. "Are you sure you're okay? We can still run."

Maybe I should.

No, I signed a contract.

He's already breaking my heart.

I fight more tears and somehow answer, "No, I'm fine. I just want a minute."

She reluctantly agrees and shuts the door.

For several moments, I breathe slowly, trying to calm my racing heart and flipping stomach.

Am I really going to do this?

Yes.

Besides, I can't leave Sebastian in there all alone. That would be worse than what anybody else has done to him.

I muster my courage and exit the limo. Melanie hands me a huge, beautiful bouquet. Dried chocolate-brown and cream flowers and the same color feathers create an exquisite work of art.

It's perfect. Everything about this entire situation is, except for the fact that it's fake. And it hits me harder than I ever anticipated.

The music plays. Emma and Isabella step through the door, tossing soft pink petals on the runner.

Then Melanie leans into me, whispering, "Last chance."

I glare at her.

She holds up her hands. "Kidding."

"No, you aren't."

She kisses my cheek. "You look incredible. I'll never say another word."

I exhale. "Good."

She steps through the door, and the wedding planner shuts it.

It takes less than a minute before the music changes to the traditional wedding march.

Too many thoughts hit me at once.

No one's walking me down the aisle. I didn't feel right asking anyone. I don't know the Cartwrights well enough to do that. And something about asking Sebastian's dad felt wrong when this isn't real. Now, I wish I would have because I've never felt so alone.

I miss my grammy. Even though this isn't real, her absence is felt.

The never-ending question about what I'm doing persists.