From “Clingy” to Gone My Independence Was His Biggest Regret novel Chapter 7

Ezra.

“You said Autumn’s wedding needed a plus one.”

He stepped closer like nothing had happened, brushing hair from my forehead.

I took today off specially.”

His tone shifted. “When are you coming home?”

My face went cold.

Today’s Autumn’s biggest day. I’m not fighting with you here. Whatever this is can wait until after the wedding.”

zra pressed his lips together and moved aside.

he ceremony went smoothly.

uring the vows, the officiant asked the groom to say something to his bride.

he groom took the mic and looked at Autumn.

You’re the most independent, confident woman I know. You handle everything yourself, nail everything you touch.”

lis voice got thick.

But today, I want to make a promise.”

From now on, you don’t have to be independent all the time with me.”

You can say you’re exhausted, let your guard down, dump your problems on me without worry.”

I want to be your home base, not just someone you visit. I want you depending on me, needing me, blowing up my phone.”

sharing everything is the ultimate romance. I hope you’ll tell me everything instead of handling it alone. Every time my phone rings, I hope it’s you.”

he crowd went wild with applause.

hrough all those people, I caught sight of Ezra.

le was leaning against the doorway, completely absorbed in the groom’s speech.

hen, like he sensed me watching, our eyes met across the room.

ust like our first day of high school.

it assembly, he’d turned around through the crowd exactly like this and caught me staring

But I didn’t feel that heart skip anymore.

ust nothing. Complete calm.

After the ceremony, I went to change for dinner.

But the seating got messed up somehow. I ended up at the kids‘ table.

A flower girl walked me over, speaking in that adorable kid voice.

Chapter 7

“Mommy says grown ups at this table are all single.”

“That’s my uncle over there. You can swap single stories.”

Among all the little kids, one guy stood out completely.

Platinum white hair, designer glasses with silver chains, dressed like he’d stepped off a runway.

So fashion forward it was almost painful.

Jntil we locked eyes.

The air went dead for a few seconds.

White hair guy broke the silence first.

My great uncle’s granddaughter’s cousin’s wife–that’s your best friend?”

lever imagined my boss would go this wild outside work. I laughed awkwardly.

Mr. Hamilton, small world. Ha.”

lex tugged his shirt, then pointed to his hair.

Just did this to dodge marriage questions. Shows I’m still young and reckless.”

Mission accomplished.”

hinking about that money I’d missed, I ventured carefully.

Any chance I could still earn that overtime pay?”

lex pulled off his fancy glasses, showing those knowing eyes.

Too late now. Mom already gave me hell for showing up alone.”

fy disappointment must have shown.

Next time though.”

dex’s expression shifted. “My great uncle’s granddaughter’s cousin’s brother is getting hitched soon.”

hen my boss walked me through his insanely complicated family connections.

rom there, we just started talking about everything.

fow to avoid turning into a boring adult to getting chased by neighborhood dogs as kids.

fis cat’s weird habit of sleeping on ceiling fans to which 7–Eleven hot dogs actually taste decent.

was genuinely shocked to find out

his “Prince” was actually pretty normal.

And interesting.

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