You may now kill the Bride

A Shift

Lexi practically floated through the front door, a lightness in her step she hadn't felt in weeks. Running into Jake had stirred up old feelings, made her realize what was missing from her life. And as she entered the living room, she couldn't help but hum a little tune.

Reg looked up from his phone, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of her. "Well, well, well," he said, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Look at you. You're practically glowing."

Lexi shrugged, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks. "Just a good day, that's all."

Reg set his phone aside, his gaze never leaving hers. "Is that so?" he murmured, his voice low and smooth. "And what, might I ask, made this day so good?"

Lexi hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But there was something in Reg's eyes, a piercing intensity, that made her want to open up. "I ran into an old friend," she admitted, trying to sound casual. "We caught up, and...I don't know, it just felt nice to connect with someone from my past."

Reg leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "A male friend, I presume?" he asked, his tone deceptively light.

Lexi rolled her eyes, feeling a flutter of annoyance. "Yes, a male friend. And before you ask, it was just friendly. No need to get jealous."

But as she looked at Reg, she saw a flicker of something in his eyes. Not jealousy, exactly, but a calculating interest. "I'm not jealous, Lexi," he said, his voice dripping with sincerity. "I just want what's best for you. And if this...friend makes you happy, then I'm happy for you."

Lexi studied him, trying to read between the lines. Was he telling the truth, or was this just another manipulation? And as she looked into his eyes, she realized one thing - she didn't truly know this man she was about to marry. Not at all.

As the evening wore on, Lexi found herself withdrawing, her mind spinning with questions. Who was the real Reg Montgomery? And what did he really want from her?

Because as she glanced at him, at the charming smile and the possessive glint in his eye, she realized one thing - she couldn't marry a man she didn't truly trust. Not without losing a piece of herself.

And with that thought, Lexi made a vow to herself. She would uncover the truth about Reg, about their engagement. And she would do it before it was too late.