Because Aaron was still working when Keeley's classes ended at 2 p.m., his driver picked her up and took her home each day. She had almost forgotten he even had a driver, as he so rarely used the service.

One day, about a week before her wedding, she was waiting at the edge of the parking lot when someone grabbed her arm from behind.

"What—" The words escaped her as she saw who it was: Ryan. What was he doing here? Shouldn't he be at work?

"You quit your job," he said flatly. "Is that man paying your bills? Are you nothing more than a sugar baby?"

Her eyes hardened. She hadn't spoken to him in over a month. Her life wasn't his business anymore.

"I don't see how that's any of your concern."

"Can't you see he's using you? He probably has all sorts of women. I'm amazed he even let you keep the child. Who hasn't heard of the Hales in this city? They'll never accept you. Back out while you still can."

Who told him she was pregnant? It didn't matter now. What mattered was that, for a relatively calm and level-headed person, Ryan had a frightening look in his eye. This was unlike him.

"You aren't a part of my life anymore, Ryan," Keeley said firmly. "I don't know what you've heard, but I don't care. Even if it were all true, it still wouldn't be your business."

"How is it not my business when someone I care about is ruining her life?" he snarled. "You're a PhD student; show some brains!"

Her temper flared. He had no right to say these things, let alone follow her. His grip on her arm was becoming painfully tight.

"Let go of me, or I swear I'll—"

"You'll what? Your sugar daddy isn't here right now."

A suave voice came from their right. "I believe the lady asked you to let her go."

They both looked up and saw a very tall, very handsome man who seemed vaguely familiar to Keeley. He smiled pleasantly, but his eyes were serious. He looked ready to fight Ryan if he didn't back off.

But why? She was sure she'd never met him.

"Who are you?" Ryan asked rudely. "We're talking here."

"I believe she was finished talking," the man said with a dazzling smile. "Let go, or I will." The words were threatening, but his charming tone was jarring.

"This isn't over," he concluded, releasing her arm and hurrying away. He called over his shoulder, "You can't marry that guy! It will ruin you!"

Keeley sighed before smiling to thank her rescuer. "Thanks for helping me."

"I'm always happy to help a damsel in distress. If you don't mind my asking, was that an ex-boyfriend?"

She snorted. "Oh, please. Until a month ago, I thought we were friends, but apparently, he only wanted to date me. I ended it quickly. I'm taken."

She hadn't been at the time, but it was easier to explain it that way.

The man noticed her engagement ring. "Congratulations! When's the wedding?"

"Next Saturday," Keeley said. "I'm actually on my way to a dress fitting. I'm waiting for a ride."

Aaron's car pulled up, and the driver lowered the window.

"That's my ride. Thanks again for your help! Uh… what's your name? Mine's Keeley."

"Gray." He shook her hand. "It was nice to meet you, Keeley. Good luck with everything."

She thanked him again and got into the backseat. The driver raised the window as they left.

"Who was that, Miss?"

"No idea. I was in a tight spot, and that guy helped out of nowhere," she said with a shrug.

Gray was forgotten by the time she reached the bridal salon.

Her wedding dress was simple, costing less than a thousand dollars. It was an A-line gown with a sweetheart neckline and a beaded belt. She didn't have a veil.

She'd bought it a few weeks earlier, but adjustments were needed. If all went well, she'd be taking it home today.

She turned before the mirror, admiring herself. A pang of sadness hit her. Her mother should be here.

The same sorrow had been present at her first wedding, but then she'd been indignant, thinking about how her mother wouldn't have let Roslyn walk all over her. No one was walking all over her now.

She wondered what arrangements Aaron had made for the flowers and cake. Before buying shoes, she texted him about the colors.

'What color is my bouquet?'

He replied instantly: 'Purple. I know it's your favorite.'

She should have known. But she needed specifics. 'Which shade of purple?'

'Not sure. See for yourself.' A picture appeared of a bouquet of light purple roses, some unknown white flowers, and deeper purple pansies.

Finding pansy-colored shoes shouldn't be hard. She asked the attendant to wrap the dress and went to look at shoes. They had every color.

A pair of open-toed heels were the right shade, so Keeley tried them on. They were comfortable enough. She bought them, and the driver helped her to the car.

This was getting very real.

I removed the non-English text at the end. I also made several smaller edits to improve flow, grammar, and punctuation.