The Prank That Backfired

The dress I picked hit right at my ankles. My fiancé helped me choose it.

Lifting the skirt, I stepped around Gideon and headed toward city hall.

He grabbed my wrist. "Drop the act. Who do you think you're fooling? If you're that thirsty to get married, go grab some rando and get the papers signed. Just leave me out of it."

I looked at his face—and felt nothing but disappointment.

No fight. No anger. Just done.

The Gideon who once chased a guy down eight blocks to make him apologize for trash-talking me? Gone.

I shook my head and tried pulling my hand back.

That's when Olivia showed up. "Gideon!" she called out.

He instantly dropped my wrist, then—trying way too hard—pulled out an alcohol wipe and scrubbed the hand that touched me, like I was something gross.

Olivia walked up. "Gideon, what are you doing here?

"Madison, are you actually getting married? You even wore the dress."

Gideon glanced around, clearly too scared to admit the whole thing was a setup.

Panicking, he grabbed one of his trashy friends and shoved him next to me, forcing a laugh.

"Olivia, you're too sharp—you figured it out! It's Madison and Bruce's big day! We're just here to cheer them on!"

His group jumped in right on cue.

"Yeah, yeah! Madison and Bruce! Big day—we're here to celebrate!"

I glanced at Bruce—shorter than me, grinning like an idiot—and felt sick.

Gideon caught Olivia's suspicious look and shoved us forward.

"Go on, get that license. Olivia's watching!"

I stumbled. Bruce, getting way too confident, grabbed my hand.

He leaned in. "Madison, Gideon's never gonna want you. But you've got a decent face and body. We could make it work."

That was it.

I ripped my hand away and staggered to the wall, dry heaving.

Gideon jumped in fast. "Whoa, Madison—don't tell me you're already pregnant. Shotgun wedding? Bruce, look at you!"

Olivia lit up. "Madison, I used to worry about your love life, but now you've got a husband AND a baby on the way? Congrats!"

I stared straight at Gideon, still cracking up like it was all hilarious.

"I AM getting married," I said, deadpan. "Just not to any of you lowlifes. My fiancé's inside, grabbing our number. Save the congratulations."

Gideon's smile froze mid-laugh.