Pretend We're Over (Pretend 2)

She smiles. “Let’s just say it’s the perfect ring for you two.”

“Tell me.”

“Nope. Now, go win your girl. But be careful with big gestures, and don’t take her first reaction as her truthful reaction. Give her time to realize that you love her for real. That will take time.”

“I will.”

I turn and start to head off to look for Millie and avoid Kade. I don’t want to hear him yell at me for not getting her to sign the damn prenup again.

I bump into a caterer. I get tackled by Henry, one of Larkyn and Kade’s kids. But I don’t find Millie.

I head out back to where the band is setting up, and then I see her in a heated discussion with the guitarist.

I run over, afraid that the man will hurt her when I hear him speak. “You took half my fucking money! That makes you a gold digger!”

I step between the man and Millie. “Sir, step back.”

He growls, looking from Millie to me. “You, her new husband?”

“Yes, and if you speak to my wife again, I’m going to punch you.”

He laughs. “I’m done with her. Tell the Kings I’m sorry, but I can’t play tonight, not with her here.”

“And you are?”

“Her ex-husband, Noah. And a piece of advice from one ex-husband to you, her next victim—make sure you get a good lawyer when she files for divorce. Which will be about six months after the wedding. That’s when she knows she’s been married long enough to ask for half of everything. She has an excellent lawyer.”

He stomps off, and I can’t process what he said.

“Let me explain, please,” Millie says quietly from behind me.

I turn slowly. I notice others in the backyard, watching us closely, but I no longer care what anyone thinks. I just want the truth. I want to know my future with her isn’t at risk.

“Is what he said true? Were you married before?”

She sucks in a breath and then nods. “Yes.”

“And the rest?”

“True,” she says without hesitation.

I look at her through a new light. Do I even know her at all?

Millie has her arms wrapped around her chest, and she looks like she’s about to be sick.

“What else? What else haven’t you told me?” My voice is angry. I can’t hide it, and I can’t keep everyone in the yard from noticing our fight either.

“I’ve been married three times,” she says softly.

Three.

Fucking.

Times.

Holy shit. She’s thirty. How does someone get married three times? Unless the bastard was telling the truth. Unless she really is a gold digger. Spots rich men to marry and then fucks them over with a divorce settlement. That’s why she never works a real job. It all makes sense.

I take a step back when she reaches her hand out to touch me. I can’t handle her touch right now. I need to get out of here. I need…