Page 1 of Til Divorce Do Us Start

Chapter 1 - Noelle

“I can’t believe I’m about to marry him,” Trish squeals, practically vibrating with excitement as she bounces beside me.

She clutches my hands, her eyes wide and glittering, and for a second, I just stare—completely enchanted. Her dress is pure Vegas magic: a flirty, white vision with sheer puff sleeves and a corset-style bodice that hugs her curves like a dream. The skirt swishes playfully around her knees, a perfect blend of bridal and bold.

Trish has always been more laid-back than lavish, but tonight, she shines. We only flat-ironed her hair and swept it into a sleek low bun, finishing it off with a single white lily tucked behind her ear. Under the golden lights of the swanky rooftop restaurant, her deep brown skin glows like satin. And that pink and gold shimmer eyeshadow I wasn’t so sure about? It’s giving goddess. Full-on, radiant goddess.

I went for emerald. A show-stopping off-the-shoulder number that clings in all the right places, tied with a delicate gold bow at my hip. Chic, sleek, and a little bit daring—very Vegas. I paired it with ballet flats because this city never goes easy on your feet, no matter how beautiful the night. My straightbrown hair is twisted into a classic French braid, resting softly on my collarbone.

I know my curves can’t compete with Trish’s bombshell silhouette, but that’s not what tonight’s about. It’s her night. Her fairytale. And I can’t wait to watch her say “I do” to Alex.

“Where is he?” I murmur, glancing around the candlelit space. I try to play it cool—but I’m dying to know.

Trish pulls out her phone, eyes flicking over the screen. “He’s on the way—with the best man,” she says, too casually. Then she giggles, but there’s a flicker in her expression when she looks at me. “Five minutes.”

Her voice softens, just a touch. “Remember, today is a happy day, Noelle.”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” I ask, trying not to read too much into her tone.

“I’m just preparing you for all the shots I’m going to order us,” she teases, flashing a grin—bright, breezy, and maybe just a little too bright.

I lift my hand before Trish can and order us a round of tequila shots and regular iced teas—her signature combo. If she’s going to celebrate, I’ll make sure she does it in style.

I’m more than happy to play hostess—ordering appetizers, asking about her honeymoon plans, keeping the energy light and bubbly. Whatever it takes to keep her smiling tonight, I’m in.

Then we hear Alex. “Where’s my wife!”

“And you were worried he wouldn’t be excited,” I tease.

Trish stands up and waves her hand. I roll my eyes, then whistle sharply. Trish is too short to be seen through this crowd.

Alex hurries over, then sweeps Trish off her feet, kissing her hungrily. “One more dinner and I get to call you my wife!”

She squeals and kisses him again. Alex turns and hugs me tightly, lifting me off my feet as we laugh. I squeeze his shoulders so he sets me down. “Where’s the best man?”

“Already at the table. You know how Colin is.”

“Very funny,” I say playfully as we head towards our table.

Alex looks at Trish. “You didn’t tell her?”

“I was trying to get her liquored first.” Trish kisses his cheek, then looks at me. “Just-”

“Tell me it’s notthatColin,” I cut in, my voice tight. “Tell me it’s one of the thousands of other Colins roaming this planet, because there is no way—no way—you can expect me to be polite withhimaround.”

I can already feel my heart pounding, my skin prickling at the memory of the one man who can walk into a room and drain the fun straight out of it. My jaw clenches.

Trish opens her mouth like she wants to soften the blow, but I already know.

And suddenly, the glitz and glow of Vegas feel a little less magical.

“Hey, it’s on me for inviting him,” Alex says. “He’s my best friend and it’s one night! I’ve seen you in action. You can get along with anyone!”

“Not him!” I insist.

“Just be nice for a few hours. Please? It’s all I want for my wedding,” Trish says with a puppy dog pout that could make even a dictator feel bad.

I sigh and rub my forehead as Alex keeps kissing Trish’s face. Trish mouths ‘please’ and I nod slowly. “I’ll be ... as civil as possible.”

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