Keep the Girl, Lose the Deal

Back then, Brody had stayed silent for a long time.

But in the end, he still said yes.

Looking back now, I was such an idiot.

After dinner, I hid in the study and organized my handover files.

My phone buzzed.

A message from Eddie.

[I'll be back late. Don't wait up.]

I stared at it, then deleted our entire chat thread.

By the time I finished, it was past ten.

After a shower, I got into bed and opened social media.

Gina's post was right at the top, uploaded half an hour ago.

The photo was taken in the Meadowfair apartment.

Eddie had his arm around a few friends while they played drinking games. Empty bottles covered the table.

Caption:

[He called me "kiddo" in front of his friends. Like, okay, do I really look that innocent?]

The comments were all teasing her about how well her boss treated her.

Everyone shipped them.

I looked at the screen for two seconds, then closed the app.

I wasn't sad.

I wasn't angry.

Whatever I'd felt for Eddie over the last eight years had turned to ash the moment he stood there and let everyone call me the other woman.

A new message popped up.

It was from Brody.

[Are you free tomorrow? The bridal shop said your custom dress is ready. Want to go try it on?]

I replied with one word.

[Okay.]

***

The next morning, Brody pulled up early.

Mom walked me out, smiling, and shoved two boxes of his favorite pastries into my arms.

In the car, I rubbed the back of my neck. "Can you hold the Blanco Corp contract for me? I'm joining a new company, and I want it as my first win."

He shot me a smile. "Or you could just work for me."

I smiled back. "Mixing business and personal? Hard pass."

At the bridal shop, a consultant rushed over with a mermaid-cut wedding dress in her arms.

"Mr. Blanco had it altered three times to fit your measurements. It's going to look stunning on you."

After I changed, I stood in front of the mirror for a long time.

Every time Eddie and I passed a bridal shop, I'd sneak a second look.

He always said he'd design me a one-of-a-kind dress someday.

Told me not to rush.

So I waited eight years.

That dress never came.

The first custom wedding gown I ever wore was the one Brody had made for me.

"Want to post a picture?" Brody asked softly behind me.

I nodded and handed my phone to the consultant. "Can you take one of us together?"

He froze.

Then his eyes crinkled as he stepped beside me, resting his hand near my waist without touching me.

The photo came out perfect.

I uploaded it and typed:

[Next Saturday, Grand Cloudcrest. You're all invited to the wedding of Brody Blanco and Josie Jenner.]

Less than a minute after I posted, the comments blew up.

[Holy crap! Is that the CEO of Blanco Corp? Josie, you've been hiding him this whole time?]

[And people said she was chasing Eddie? Please. Brody Blanco makes Eddie look like a joke.]

I was scrolling when my phone rang.

Eddie.

I picked up.

His voice slurred through the line, drunk and cutting. "Wow, Josie. To force me into marrying you, you dragged Brody Blanco into this little stunt?

"You'll really do anything for a title."

I was about to say something.

But Brody took my phone and switched it to speaker.

His voice stayed calm, but there was no missing the authority behind it.

"Mr. Sutton, Josie and I are getting married. For real. She waited eight years for you. I waited twelve years for her."

A beat passed.

"Thank you for not marrying her."

The line went dead silent.

A few seconds later, Eddie's voice exploded through the speaker.

"That's impossible!

"Josie, talk to me!"