Chapter 1

After returning from abroad, my childhood friend, Luke Greenwood, begged me to be a bridesmaid for his fiancée, Sabrina Clarke.

But as soon as I arrived at Sabrina's place, she gave me a once-over.

She said, "I've seen those photos of you and Luke. I thought you were a rival, but it looks like you're not really that special to him. If you mattered that much, he wouldn't have asked you to be a bridesmaid.

"See? I'm the one he really wants. All those other women? They don't stand a chance."

I was completely confused by what Sabrina was saying, when suddenly my phone rang. It was Luke, trying to smooth things over with a forced chuckle.

He said, "Hey, I've already bought that jewelry set and sent it to your place. It's my wedding day; do me a favor and help me out, okay?"

*****

As soon as Luke hung up, Sabrina let out a shrill scream.

Then, like a raging bull, she charged straight at me and slammed me to the floor.

When I looked closer, I caught a flash of jealousy in her eyes.

Sabrina screamed, "So, who does this shameless tramp think she is, trying to steal my husband?

"Wow, getting him to send you jewelry on his wedding day? You must have some tricks up your sleeve!

"No wonder there are photos of you at home. Calling yourself his friend? Please, you're just his secret side chick.

"Now I get it. You're just flaunting his attention, thinking you're all that because he dotes on you.

"You really think you can steal my spot? Showing off in front of the real Mrs. Greenwood, huh?"

With that, she snorted and gave me a dismissive look, like I wasn't even worth her time.

Her voice dripped with smugness, as if she was showing off just how much Luke cared about her. "You've got it all wrong. In Luke's eyes, I'm the only woman he sees as his wife.

"No matter how pretty you think you are, I'm his number one. Home is where the heart is, I guess.

"Otherwise, after all these years hanging around him, why are you still just a nobody?

"He just thinks you're not good enough to show off; you're nothing but a toy to him."

Before I could even open my mouth, Sabrina went off, firing off accusations without giving me a chance to explain.

I was left totally baffled, not even sure what she was talking about.

When I heard Luke was getting married, I flew all the way back from overseas just to attend the wedding.

I was only planning to show up, grab a bite, and head out, but Luke begged me to be Sabrina's bridesmaid.

He wanted me to stand by her side, so the Greenwood family wouldn't treat her like an outsider.

Since we'd been friends since we were kids, I agreed.

"Sabrina, I think you've got it all wrong..." I tried to explain.

But before I could finish, Sabrina went off on me, jabbing her finger right in my face. "You think you get a say here?

"When I put you in your place, you just stand there and take it, understand?

"Just because he dotes on you, you think you can disrespect me? Who do you think you are?"

After finishing her tirade, her face was full of smug pride.

She went on, "I know my husband is a real catch; every gold-digger out there is dying to get close to him.

"I don't blame him. I blame you trashy girls.

"You know he's got a wife, but you still keep chasing after him. Seriously, have you no shame?

"Raised without any manners, huh? So what if you've got a pretty face? You'll never be anything more than a side piece.

"If Luke has a thing for you, maybe I'll let you stick around and be his plaything.

"But you'd better remember your place and show proper respect to the lady of the house—me!

"Otherwise, someone as worthless as you? I could wipe you out with a snap of my fingers."

As I listened to all her drama, it finally hit me—Sabrina actually thought I was the other woman.

I was left completely speechless.

If it weren't for Luke, Sabrina wouldn't even get the chance to meet me.

I tried to keep my cool and explained, "Look, Luke asked me to be your bridesmaid.

"Didn't he mention it to you?"

But before I could say another word, Sabrina caught me off guard with a slap.

As if that wasn't enough, she landed several more sharp slaps across my face.

I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth, clutching my face in disbelief, staring at Sabrina—her face contorted with rage.

She snapped, "When the lady of the house speaks, you should be kneeling. Who do you think you are, daring to talk back to me like this?

"Guess I need to show you how things work in the Greenwood household—so you don't start thinking you can challenge me someday!"

She pointed at me and snapped at the relatives gathered in the room. "Grab her!"

I was startled, but I forced myself to stay calm.

I said, "Do you even realize who you're dealing with? If anything happens to me here at your house, you'll be banned from the Greenwood family forever.

"You'd better think twice!"