Lexi pasted on a bright smile as she was enveloped in a warm hug. "Darling, it's so wonderful to see you!" Mrs. Montgomery exclaimed, holding her at arm's length. "You look stunning, as always."
Lexi forced a laugh, feeling like a doll on display. "Thank you, Mrs. Montgomery. You look lovely as well."
As they were led to their table, Lexi couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. Reg's parents were sweet, kind even. But their excitement, their blatant adoration of her, made her skin crawl. They couldn't wait for the wedding, couldn't wait to welcome her into their family. And Lexi was starting to realize she couldn't go through with it.
As they ordered and chatted, Lexi found herself on autopilot. She laughed at the right times, made the expected small talk. But inside, she was screaming. How had she gotten here? How had she agreed to marry into this family, to tie herself to Reg for life?
Mr. Montgomery raised his glass in a toast. "To Lexi," he said, his eyes shining with warmth. "Our soon-to-be daughter. We're so thrilled to have you joining our family."
Lexi echoed the toast, the champagne bitter on her tongue. She couldn't do this, she realized. She couldn't marry Reg, couldn't become a part of this world. But as she glanced at Mrs. Montgomery's beaming face, she knew she couldn't hurt these people. They didn't deserve it.
As the lunch drew to a close, Lexi felt a growing sense of resolve. She would find a way out of this, a way to end things with Reg without devastating his parents. And she would do it before the wedding. Because as she smiled and hugged them goodbye, she realized one thing - she couldn't marry a man she didn't trust. Not even for love of his family.
YOU ARE READING
You may now kill the Bride
Mystery / ThrillerLexi Thompson has it all - wealth, status, and a fiancé who promises her the world. But as she stands on the precipice of her perfect life, she's haunted by doubts. Is Reg Montgomery the charming suitor he seems to be, or is he hiding secrets? When...
