Chapter 15
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“Can you just stop that?” Cole glared at Vanessa, stopping in his tracks. Vanessa instantly ended the live video. “What did I do wrong, baby? I was only trying to let my fans know that we are back together, and they are happy for us. They want to know when we are getting married.”
“How many times do I have to tell you that I don’t want myself or my business on your social media pages?”
“You know that’s not possible, Cole. I’m a celebrity, and people need to know the good things about me. You can’t expect things to be going well between us and then expect me to keep it a secret!”
“I’m definitely going to flaunt you for the world to see, and most importantly, for people to know that you are mine.”
Cole sighed, massaging his temple, wondering what he’d gotten himself into. He continued to the car, getting into the driver’s seat.
“Won’t you open the door for me?” Vanessa asked, expecting Cole to open the door for her. He surprised her by starting the car engine. She mumbled something incoherent, getting into the front passenger seat.
“You don’t have to be mean to me. We haven’t been out as a couple in a long time. I’m very happy about it, and that’s why I shared the news with my fans.”
Cole said nothing, his gaze focused on the road.
“You can’t be mad at me forever, you know?”
“Leave me out of your social media pages.”
Vanessa sighed. “If you insist.”
Chapter 15
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“When are we going to get married?”
Silence.
“I was thinking in two Saturdays! I already found the perfect wedding dress. The designer will forward the invoice to you.”
“That date isn’t convenient for me,” Cole said, without looking at her.
“Why?” She frowned.
“I’ll be going on a business trip.”
“Come on, Cole. What’s more important than our personal life and us being a family?”
“You want a big wedding party, right?” He glanced at her for the first time since she’d gotten into the car.
“Yes!” Vanessa smiled, nodding.
“Then you’ll have to wait.”
“Wait? For how long? Why?” The smile faded from her face.
“I can’t afford a big party right now.”
Vanessa’s heart sank. There was no way she was going to marry Cole and have the whole world know about it.
“What do you mean you can’t afford a big party?”
“My company is going through some financial issues. I’m sure you’re aware of that.”
“I know, but don’t you have money saved up? Ask your father; I’m sure he has a trust fund set aside for your wedding.”
“Nothing like that. You can ask your father if he has a trust fund set aside for your wedding,” he said.
“Of course not! Why would you even think that? You know my dad is broke, and you know the company is just trying to get back on its feet.”
Chapter 15
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“I know what you’re doing, Cole. There’s no way I’m having a small wedding with you,” she grumbled.
“Then I guess you’ll have to wait.”
“For how long?”
“Until I have some money again.”
“Come on, Cole. You can’t do this to me.”
“I don’t get it. What’s wrong with a small wedding if that’s what we can afford right now?”
“No, I’m not settling for less.”
“I know things aren’t easy for you, but they aren’t as terrible as you’re making them seem.”
“You can afford to give me my dream wedding, Cole. Sell one of your properties if you have to. Get loans. I don’t care what you do, but just do something!!!”
“You’re really sounding like a gold digger. You know that, right?”
“Of course not!” She rolled her eyes at him.
“I’m your wife, and it’s my duty to request things from you. There’s no way I’m having a low-profile wedding with you, Cole. We’re celebrities, which means we have to have a standard wedding, one that will still be talked about for years to come.”
Cole, tired of the argument, pulled over. He turned to Vanessa. “Do you really want to get married because you love me, or because you have a point to prove to people?”
“Of course, I love you, Cole. Why would you even doubt that?”
“Because if you truly loved me, as you claim, then nothing else would matter but me.”
“Of course, I love you deeply, but I’m not going to settle for less. Try to understand me, baby. This is a big deal for me. I’m only going to get married once, and I want it to be memorable.”
Chapter 15
“Then you’ll have to wait until next year.”
“No, I can’t.”
“Maybe we should call off the wedding.”
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“I know what you’re trying to do, Cole. You promised my mother you’d marry me, and you must keep your promise!”
Cole scoffed, mumbling inaudibly. “I promised your mother because she wouldn’t leave me alone. I told her I’d marry you; I didn’t promise a big wedding party!”
“And I’m not going to let you talk me into something I’m not financially or mentally prepared for. I know how you and your mother destroyed Summers Incorporations with your demands and extortion.”
“I don’t love you, Vanessa, and if you’re after my property or wealth, I’m happy to tell you that you’ve failed. I’m not marrying you without a prenuptial agreement.”
Vanessa stared in disbelief. “What has come over you? I thought you loved me?”
“Did you drug me on the night of our supposed engagement so I’d end up in bed with your sister?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Vanessa answered immediately.
“And don’t you dare call that bitch my sister!”
“The person you’re referring to as a bitch is my legally wedded wife, so be careful how you talk about her.”
Tears welled up in Vanessa’s eyes. “Did you plan this date to insult me?”
“I’m not insulting you. I’m talking about reality. I know I was sane when I arrived at the party. You gave me a drink and told me to meet you in the guest room in a few minutes. I saw a woman in the guest room changing her dress, which was stained. I thought it was you, and I slept with her. You spiked my drink, didn’t you?”