Chapter 1

My boyfriend of ten years, Ethan Carter, was perfect.

He was handsome, brilliant, and successful. His only flaw? He loved tearing me down.

If I got an A- instead of an A+, he'd tell me I "wasn't trying hard enough."

When I finally made my first dollar writing online, he told me my stories were "utter trash."

Later, at the bridal boutique, when Ethan stared at me and sneered that my body wasn't good enough to look like a real bride...

I finally snapped. For the first time in a decade, I screamed at him: "If you think I'm so terrible, why the hell are you marrying me?"

At the bridal boutique, when I stepped out of the fitting room, even the strangers nearby gasped.

The stylist smiled warmly. "Miss Miller, you're so tall and elegant. This dress looks absolutely stunning on you."

"Go show your fiancé. He's going to fall in love with you all over again."

I smiled back nervously. "Maybe. He's... a bit of a perfectionist."

After ten years with Ethan, I knew his standards. He had never complimented me. Not once.

But today, looking at myself in the mirror, with my defined waist and glowing skin perfectly framing the delicate lace of the gown, I couldn't help but hope.

Surely, Ethan would like this.

Right?

Would he finally call me beautiful? Would his jaw drop like the other grooms in the shop?

My heart pounded with nervous anticipation as I walked over and gently tugged on Ethan's sleeve.

But a second later, my hope was brutally crushed.