Page 197 of Beautifully Reckless

“Yes. Let’s continue. Let’s make this marriage official.”

As she steps back towards the pew again, I sigh loudly, and shrug at Daniel.

“Sorry Danny.” I use the name I know he hates. “This won’t be legal.”

“What?” He frowns, eyes narrowing as Banes steps back onto his precious altar.

“The marriage.” I shrug casually. “It’ll never be official.”

“Stop talking nonsense, Abigail.” My mum scoffs from her seat, rolling her eyes.

“Not nonsense.” I shrug again, turning my eyes to the minister. “Just facts.”

“What are you talking about?” Banes snaps, his patience now long gone. “We will do the service. Whether you agree or not, your signature will be on the papers, and we’ll lodge it with the registry.”

I smirk, becausethisis the best part.

“Really?” I tilt my head, giving a dramatic little pout. “Is it legal for a woman to be married to two men?”

The chapel falls deadly silent.

It’s like every breath got sucked straight out of the room. I swear, you could hear a pin drop.

“Youknow damn well that’s not legal,” Banes growls through clenched teeth, his face turning red.

“You see. That’s what I thought.” I turn on my heel, casually strolling away. “I guess I can’t marry Daniel,oranyone else for that matter.”

I’m expecting one of the thugs to come after me, so when my mum’s hand fists my hair, yanking me back, I’m helpless to hold back the high pitched squeal that launches from me.

“Stop talking garbage and trying to get out of this!” she hisses, her rage twisting into every syllable. “Youwillmarry Daniel, and youwillmarry him today!”

She shoves me forward, right into Daniel’s chest, his hands steadying me for a moment before he shoves me off him like I’m a contagious disease.

“Ican’tmarry Daniel, Mother!” I yell, spinning back to face her and the rest of the stunned congregation. “I’m already married. I’m no longer Abbey Delany.” I smile, smug as hell, ready to spill the best part. “I’m AbbeyMusgrovenow. But you can call meMrs Musgrove, thanks.” I blow her a kiss, slow and mocking.

Another deathly silence settles over the room.

“No,” she whispers, her face turning red. “NOOOOO!”

“Yes, actually.” I giggle, feeling rebellion surging through me like a drug.

“Someone check if this is true!” Banes bellows, before a couple of men hurry from the chapel.

“Don’t let her fool you. She’s just trying to delay the inevitable,” my mum snaps, pacing as everyone in the congregation shifts uncomfortably.

“Jeez, Mum. You’re beginning to sound desperate.” I tilt my head, eyes narrowing at her. “Why does this marriage matterso much to you? Is it Daniel’s money you are after? His trust fund that his mummy and daddy have been holding over him to keep him in line?”

I wag my brows at Daniel’s dad, sitting stiffly in the front pew across the aisle from my sister, but it’s the first time I’ve realised that Daniel’s mum isn’t here.

That… doesn’t seem right.

Not that any of this is right, but if her son is getting married, shouldn’t she be here?

Daniel’s dad, Karl, looks away as his jaw twitches, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows thickly.

“Fucking hell, Abbey,” Daniel mutters quietly, gripping my arm and dragging me back in place.

He leans in, his breath hot on my ear so only I can hear.

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