Love's Paradox

Chapter 20: Sinister Wedding Dress of Doom

It's late when I finally head to bed. I grab my bag from the bottom of the stairs and ascend them toward my room. I mentally make a checklist of all the things I need to do around the apartment this week since I was gone all weekend. None of my laundry was washed, and I still need to do grocery shopping for the week. I open my bedroom door, set my bag down, and flip on the light switch. My heart gives a terrified jolt at the sight. I stumble back and hit the hallway wall.

On my bed is a wedding gown—the one I wanted but Ian refused to let me buy due to the red, lacy coloring down the back.

A scream lodges in my throat.

This can't be happening, I tell myself.

"Hunter?" I shout.

"What is it?" He sounds half asleep.

"Come here."

A moment later, Hunter ambles down the hall, wearing only his boxers. "This better be good. I was almost asleep."

"Look," I say, pointing a trembling finger.

Hunter's next protest cuts off the instant his eyes land on the dress. "What the hell is that doing here?"

"I don't know." I'm shaking just thinking about Ian being in my apartment and leaving this dress behind. It's like some sort of fucked up omen.

Hey, look at me, the sinister dress of doom says. Aren't I pretty? Don't you want to wear me? Come on. Put me on. Its glittery pearls wink under the light, riveting my attention, though there are no remaining romantic notions associated with the gown.

Hunter steps into the room, which is more than I can do right now. "There's a note."

"What?" I step forward in morbid curiosity.

He picks it up and unfolds it. "Want to know what it says?"

"Not really," I admit. "I already get the message."

His eyes rove back and forth as he reads; his hands quiver, and the edges of the paper crumble in his fists. "You know, if there was a country called Douchebagastan, Ian would be their ruler."

"That bad?"

"It's a love letter. I think."

I snatch the paper from his hands and read.

My Dearest Rae,

I know that I've been unfair to you in the past, but I promise things will be different now. I'll go to couples counseling. I'll never lay a finger on you that isn't tender and loving. Please, just give me another chance and get rid of that other guy. You are my one true love. Without you, I have nothing. You've been such a huge part of my life that I don't know how to go on without you in it. Tell me what I can do to win you back. I will do anything. Everything. Just tell me what it is you need from me. In the mean time, consider this gift to show you that I'm no longer the same man I was six months ago. This is the dress you wanted to wear at our wedding, right? If it isn't, I can always buy you another one.

Also, I wanted to ask your forgiveness for my actions on Friday. I was being an arrogant ass, and I was jealous. Though that's not an excuse, it's all I have. I should have gone after him instead of you; I won't make that mistake again. Please, find it in your heart to forgive me. I love you.

Ian

There's definitely a threat against Parker lurking under the surface of Ian's words.

For a moment, I indulge in a bit of hysteria; a contemptuous laugh bubbles to the surface. Hunter stares at me through dark eyes, alarm tightening his features.