The universe had officially outdone itself. Out of all the men in the world, your mother had to fall for Ward Cameron. Which meant you were about to be stepsiblings with Rafe Cameron—your ex-boyfriend, ex-love-of-your-life, and, most importantly, ex-respectable human being in your eyes.

A year ago, he had held your face in his hands, murmured promises into your skin, sworn you were his everything. Then, in the cruelest twist of fate, you woke up to photos of him with your best friend. It wasn’t just cheating—it was her. The one person who knew exactly how much you loved him. You didn’t just lose a boyfriend but also your bestfriend .

And now? He was family. Almost.

The wedding was today, held at some fancy oceanfront venue covered in flowers, and you were doing everything not to leave.

Then—like the universe was hellbent on ruining your day further—his voice cut through the murmurs of guests.

“Didn’t think you’d show.”

That voice. You hated it. You turned, grip tightening around your champagne flute before you even saw him. And when you did—God help you.

Rafe stood there in a suit, his tie loose like he was allergic to looking fully put together. Taller, broader—but the smirk was the same. Infuriating.

“Oh, trust me, I tried everything. Mom threatened to take my car,” you muttered. “What’s your excuse?”

“My dad’s the groom. Kinda obligated to be here.”

You scoffed. “Yeah, ‘cause you’re such a family man.”

He grinned. “Speaking of family—stepsis.”

Your fingers curled into your palm. “Call me that again and see what happens.”

He laughed. “Feisty. Missed that.”

Your stomach twisted. “Did you miss me before, during, or after you screwed my best friend?”

He whistled. “Ouch. Still bitter?”

“Still a cheating asshole?”

His smirk deepened. “Guess some things never change.”

“I hate you,” you snapped.

“Hate’s just misplaced love.” Rafe winked, like this was some joke. "This is gonna be fun, don’t you think…stepsis?"

You swallowed hard. No, it wasn’t fun. It was going to be a goddamn nightmare