Chapter 1

Max and I were at the courthouse, just a snapshot away from getting our marriage license, when he got a call and left me stranded there. Alone at the marriage registration desk, I felt stuck in limbo. I tried calling him, but there was no answer. Texts went unanswered too.

With no other option, I called Hanna, his childhood friend, only for Max to answer. "Emmeline, can you stop being a nuisance? Hanna twisted her ankle, and I need to look after her today. Stop calling and waking her up. We'll have to reschedule the license date again."

Biting my lip gently, I murmured, "This makes it the seventh time we’ve had to reschedule."

"So what? The courthouse isn't going anywhere."

I felt a pang in my chest, keeping my face expressionless. The staff sympathetically asked if I still wanted to proceed. I nodded slightly. "Yes, I do."

I called Greyson, my friend's brother, and accepted his proposal. After hanging up, I asked the staff to delay my appointment a bit longer. Before long, Greyson arrived, making an entrance on his eye-catching motorcycle. As he removed his helmet and walked in, he quickly drew the attention of many at the courthouse.

Greyson approached me, sat down in the chair next to mine, crossed his legs, and said with a playful tone, "Finally come to your senses? Ready for this fake marriage to deal with family drama?"

I nodded gently. It wasn't just about handling family pressure to get married. It was mostly about giving Grandpa peace of mind before he passed. His health had been declining rapidly over the past six months. With every hospital visit, he’d ask when I was getting married. He wanted to see me in a wedding dress, to see me walk down the aisle, believing that even if he left, someone would be there to love me.

That’s why six months ago, I urged Max to marry me. We’d been to the courthouse seven times, each visit ending in failure for various reasons. Last time, Hanna had cramps and couldn’t bear the pain, so Max went to make her coffee. Before that, Hanna lost her keys and couldn't go home, so Max went to help. The time before that, Hanna was hungry for stew from the north side of town, so Max rushed to queue for it.

Each time, it was because of Hanna, and every time Max would leave me without a second thought. Ironically, I gave him seven chances, yet he couldn’t spare even a moment for a final photo with me.

This time, Max’s departure didn’t hurt. Maybe I was used to it, or maybe I’d expected it. The words Grandpa recently said echoed in my mind, "Emmy, Grandpa might not be around much longer, might not see you in a wedding dress, but even if it's just you, live courageously, don’t let anyone push you around."

I promised Grandpa I would be brave. So this time, I wouldn’t compromise anymore. Max, I gave you your chances! Seven of them!

The procedures to register with Greyson went smoothly. Just as we were about to take our wedding photo, my phone buzzed—it was a message from Max.

"Alright, Emmy, don't be upset. I really couldn't leave this time. But I've made your favorite food at home, waiting for you when you get back."

Greyson glanced my way, casually asking, "Still going through with this?"

I took a deep breath, my face impassive, and said, "Yes, let's continue!"

We completed the paperwork, holding the marriage license as we walked out of the courthouse. Before leaving, I said to Greyson, "Are you free tomorrow? I need you to come with me somewhere."

Greyson, astride his motorcycle, said, "Give me a call if you need anything. Who knows, my parents might need you to make an appearance soon too."

With that, he rode off, leaving me pondering life's unpredictability. Four years in college and three years post-graduation with Max, yet it didn't work out in the end. But I got married to my friend’s brother after just one conversation.

On the way back, Max sent another message, along with a photo. The table was loaded with delicious dishes.

"Why aren't you back yet? Dinner's ready. If you’re late, there might not be any left!"