He Called Me ‘Jealous’ While She Hanged Off Him in a Bridal Party Chapter 03
We both froze when we saw who it was.
It wasn’t Nathaniel–it was Cody’s relatives. They peered in greedily. “We knew you’d be busy, so we came on our own.‘
Cody frowned. “How’d you even know about the wedding?”
Tiffany sidled up, looking proud. “I invited them.”
Cody’s frown deepened. “You know Elena can’t stand them.”
It was more than that. I despised them. Early in our relationship, they’d hit me up for money and destroyed my mom’s keepsakes without a second thought.
But Cody just kept telling me to suck it up.
Tiffany laughed. “You’re about to marry her and you’re still worried about her mood?”
“If she disrespects your family, she disrespects you. I brought them here to back you up and put her in her place.”
“Did you forget how her father treated you?”
Did he love me? Maybe. But that love could never outweigh his resentment toward my father.
A few words, and Cody’s hesitation vanished. He immediately started showing them to their seats.
I was done. I yelled for security to throw them out.
Tiffany blocked me. “Once you’re married, you’re a Barlow. Lose the attitude. The family’s been way too
easy on you–let me show you how this actually works.”
Her hand flew at my face, and I slammed into the wall, cheek blazing with pain.
Fury surged through me, but before I could swing back, Cody grabbed my arm. “Enough. Tiffany’s right you can’t hit her back. Think about the baby. Don’t get worked up.”
He turned to Tiffany. “And you–next time, go a little
easier. Don’t hurt the kid.”
The scolding was so half–hearted it sounded like flirting.
I clenched my jaw so hard my blood felt frozen.
The commotion drew my father out. He took one look at their outfits and his face went pale with fury.
“What are you wearing? This is completely inappropriate! The ceremony’s about to start- change, now!”
Tiffany didn’t look guilty. Instead, she laughed.
“Better than getting knocked up before you even got a ring on your finger. Back in the day, they had a word for girls like that.”
My father roared, “How dare you talk about my daughter like that?”
Tiffany rolled her eyes and whispered something to
Cody. Cody’s eyes lit up. He straightened his tie and walked toward my dad.
“Dad. Since you’re here, let’s talk straight. The arrangement’s already set, but now that Elena’s pregnant, shouldn’t my share be increased?”
“Of course, I’m only thinking of Elena’s best interests.
Otherwise after the wedding…”
I lunged forward. “Stop it! My dad has a heart condition–he can’t handle this!”
“And why would you think I’m marrying you?”
I turned to my father. “Dad, don’t worry. Nathaniel’s on his way. He says he’ll marry me.”
The moment I said it, Tiffany burst out laughing.
“Elena Hayes, that’s the richest man in America. I
know pregnancy brain is a thing, but you’ve completely lost your mind.”
“If Nathaniel Sterling actually marries you, I’ll shave my head and post it on TikTok.”
Even Cody stifled a laugh. “Elena, I know you’re trying to make me jealous. Sure, Sterling said he’d come, but marry you? Come on.”
I opened my mouth to fire back, but my father grabbed
my hand. He swallowed hard, forcing a smile. “Elena, it’s been so long. Mr. Sterling probably…”
“This is on me. They’re right–you’re pregnant. I should increase what I’m putting in.”
He looked at Cody. “How much do you want?”
“Not much. Fifty percent of your company shares. Plus ten million in cash.”
It was nearly everything my father had.
Dad froze and started coughing violently. Cody was going to bleed him dry.
“I’ll give you five million and ten percent of the shares…” my father rasped.
Tiffany cut him off. “No negotiation, future in–law.
You don’t want your grandkid growing up without a dad, getting called a bastard on the playground, do you?”
“Who are you to call me in–law? You’re a child.”
She grinned. “I’m Cody’s ride–or–die. That makes me
family–hell, that makes me the most important person here. Your daughter already handed me the
unity candle. Said I should be the one to light it with him. Guess she finally knows her place.”
I was shaking so hard I couldn’t get a word out. Then my father started coughing–and there was blood. And then, he collapsed.
“Dad!”
I scrambled to catch him.
“Dad! Stay with me—ambulance is on the way!”
The call barely connected when the officiant’s voice boomed from outside. “It’s time! Please welcome the
bride and groom!”