Page 40 of Devious Vows

“Oh, look at you, Beverly!” My eyes flick over to Blanche, a small fake smile coming out at her exclamation. My mom must have been talking about me for her to know my name because she’s standing next to her, also smiling. “That pink suits your complexion so well.”

I just nod, lips rubbing together. “Thank you. It’s a very pretty dress.” Blanche nods in agreement, her hands coming together as she looks at all four of us bridesmaids with pure delight.

“Here she comes!” one of Viva’s family members exclaims, drawing all of our attention to that side of the room.

Picking at my nails, I watch as Viva steps into the room, forcing my face to look pleasant. I’d already seen her before at that dinner, but seeing her here in her wedding dress is the nail in the coffin. I hate how beautiful she is. Viva’s long golden hair swings in perfect loose curls on her back as she moves. Her bright amber eyes blinking happily at the women fawning around her like groupies. Full pink lips revealing perfectly straight white teeth when she smiles sweetly at her own reflection.

It’s petty, but I almost would have preferred Remy were marrying someone with unfortunate looks in comparison.

Just as she is, her dress is stunning, fitting her like a brilliant sparkly white glove. It’s a classical mermaid fit, snug along her bust and waist, flaring at the knee with a long train that flares behind her as she walks. Her arms are covered with an off-the-shoulder see-through lace that ends in a delicate little point on her hands, accentuating the giant diamond sitting pretty on her left ring finger.

I never got a ring.

The thought sinks like a stone in my gut. More likely than not, it was a term in the marriage agreement that she got one, but it still hurts nonetheless.

I’ve never been jealous of anyone, but this perfect little blonde with beautiful amber eyes has my skin turning green with envy. We always want things we can’t have and fuck do I want what she has.

Her eyes meet mine in the mirror and her smile falters just the tiniest bit, rich amber dimming as they narrow for a fraction of a second. I think it’s safe to assume she knows who I am. Pushing aside the ugly feelings snaking in my chest, I plaster a smile on my face and approach Viva once her family has fallen back.

“Hi, Viva, I’m Beverly. It’s nice to finally meet you.” She doesn’t say anything right away, her eyes still on her reflection as she picks at her dress, so I add, “Your dress is beautiful. You look gorgeous.”

“Thank you,” she says, amber gaze burning when she finally looks at me. “You’re the one who ran off at the dinner party the other night, weren’t you?”

My skin grows hot, but I smile through it. “Yes. Sorry, that was rude of me. I should have handled that better.”

Her lips twist, just a hint of distaste marring her features before she looks at her reflection again. “I’m going to be honest with you, Beverly.” Her eyes find mine in the mirror. “I didn’t choose to have you be in my wedding party and frankly, I don’t want you in it. And I doubtyouwant to be in it. But we don’t get to make those decisions, so I’ll make myself very clear.”

I let out a deep breath, schooling my features to remain neutral despite my hands trembling against the skirt of my dress with silent rage. “Okay.”

“Based on your reaction the other night and from what I’ve heard, you and Remy are fairly close.” She reaches up to pick at her hair, her face scrunching with her words. “Childhood friends or something?”

I swallow, forcing my breaths to remain even. “I wouldn’t say we were always friends, but we did grow up together.”

She eyes me. “Well, staynotfriends, then, okay? He is marrying me, not you. So all of his attention should be on me and not worrying aboutyouthrowing another fit just like at that dinner.”

“Viva, I apologize if you feel like I tried to ruin the announcement for you. It was just a shock and—”

She interrupts me, her arms dropping to her sides. “I don’t care.” I bite my cheek as she keeps talking, “Only one of us could ever fit the role of the Capo Famiglia’s wife, and we already know you’ve been deemed unfit.” Her eyes skim over me, lip curling. “I am everything you wish you could be, Beverly. Stylish. Charismatic. Dignified. But most importantly, Remy’s future. Nothing is going to change the fact that I will be the one that he comes home to every day, that I will be the one to have his children. Do yourself a favor and get over whatever feelings you have for him before you get hurt, because nothing you do will stop this wedding.”

Tears clog the back of my throat, eyes blinking to keep them at bay. I do my best to speak without the tremble of my chin. “I just came over here to tell you that you look beautiful, Viva. I didn’t mean to cause any more drama for you.” I force back a swallow that scratches like nails. “I hope you enjoy the rest of your fitting.”

I spin on my heel, heading for the dressing room. Laney knocks on the door as I’m pulling my shirt back over my head, scooping up my phone and the bridesmaid dress.

When I open the door, she’s looking at me, seeing the tears I refuse to let fall. “What did that bitch say to you?”

Eyeing Viva, I shush Laney. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s go.”

“Beverly—” she starts, but I stop her.

“Just leave it for now. Not here.” I take a deep breath, putting my dress on a rack designated for the bridesmaids. “Can you tell Mom I’m heading out?”

She huffs, but nods, shooting daggers Viva’s way as she goes. My heart pounds angrily in my chest, remembering what she said. One statement hurts the most, the one that’s achingly true no matter how much I wish it wasn’t.

SheisRemy’s future.

Chapter Seventeen

I can barely hear the faint sound of the string quartet over the murmurs and quiet laughter coming from the surrounding guests, but I put all my effort into listening to it instead of the idle conversations being had.

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