Something New: The Jilted Series, #2

By Liz Lovelock

Pregnant, no, that can't be right.

The little pink lines staring back at me don't lie.

I can't be, though, not to the one man I know my family will hate, although, at the time, I had no idea about our family's past.

He said he'd call, and he never did. Now today, of all days, he decides to show up with some lame excuse of losing my number. How ironic.

I'm officially screwed. How do I tell him, better yet, how do I tell my family?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Liz Lovelock
• Release date: Apr 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393111740

Book preview

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Epilogue

Preview

Other Books by Liz Lovelock

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Connect with Liz Online

EVERLEIGH

Everything was perfect. Until it wasn’t.

White and soft-pink roses were settled into bouquets sitting as table centerpieces, circled by crystal wine glasses that glitter under the bright lights of The Grand Ballroom. Each table was to seat guests on chairs draped in white cloth with a golden sash tied in a bow.

The food was going to be delicious. Hell, the cake was four tiers high, decorated with roses and white with pink icing accents.

It was perfection. Every detail was planned to be exactly what I wanted—a fairy-tale wedding. Mom and Dad were happy to spare no expense for their only girl among a family of four boys.

Everleigh, are you okay? My eyes readjust to the face of my maid of honor, Aubree, sitting in front of me on the edge of my bed as I reminisce what was supposed to be my special day. She’s still wearing her fitted satin, fire-engine red spaghetti-strap dress, her beautiful strawberry-blonde hair sitting in perfect curls over her shoulders.

I swallow. Am I dreaming? I rasp.

Her hand brushes the dark strands of hair away from my face. Oh, honey, yes, it happened. Dean’s gone.

I sniffle. What did I do wrong? A lump swells in my throat at the thought of Dean leaving. We were supposed to get married today.

Aubree takes my knotted hands in hers. "I know. Your dad is furious, and your mom is a mess. Dean’s family are lost for words. No one expected him to run out on his own wedding during the ceremony. That was a douche move."

Tears well in my eyes and spill over, staining my cheeks with their watermarks. Why did he do it? He just left. No explanation. I know I should be mad, but I’m heartbroken. We have five years invested in this relationship. Do you think he’ll change his mind? I hiccup.

She rubs my bare shoulder. I understand. I’ll be the angry one for you right now. As for his reasonings, I have no idea. None of his groomsmen or family had any idea. Perhaps he got cold feet and suddenly became afraid of commitment. Aubree’s words are gentle and somehow a small comfort.

"What am I supposed to do with all the gifts, the guests, everything? So much money and preparation have gone into what was supposed to be our special day, and now he’s done this."

Aubree opens her mouth, but the door bursting open startles us. Everleigh, what’s going on? Where’s Dean gone? I’m going to beat his ass for pulling this stupid stunt. Asher, my younger brother, stands at the end of my bed, red-faced and puffing.

Did you run the whole building? Aubree asks, her brow furrowed.

I went to his room and then the bar, and nothing. I can’t find him. But when I do… he better look out because he’s going to know what my fist on his face feels like. His words crack like a whip.

More voices flood into my room, where Dean and I were supposed to spend our first night as husband and wife.

Where is he? Trey growls.

Calm down, Trey, Beckett, my eldest brother, says with a roll of his eyes and comes to sit beside me on the bed. He wraps his large arms around my shoulders. I’m thankful my brothers are huggers. Mom has taught them well. Did he show any signs of doing this when you spoke to him last night?

No. I was just asking Aubree the same question. What am I going to do? What has Mom and Dad said? I ask.

Don’t worry about them. I think Dad will make Dean’s parents foot some of the bill since it’s their son who ran out. Beckett releases his grip on me, and I glance up at him as he rakes his fingers through his short, dark hair. I can’t believe him. He grumbles and slides off the bed, heading for the mini-fridge.

I look around the room, and I’m met with my brothers’ hard gazes and Aubree’s concerned one. What am I going to do now? We were supposed to go on our honeymoon tomorrow. Should I cancel the flights and everything?

It’s Jasper, my second eldest brother who answers. I think you and Aubree should still go. Just go… get away.

What about the other bridesmaids?

Jasper rolls his eyes. They’re your cousins. I wouldn’t worry about them. Aubree is the one in here, supporting you, and they’re downstairs gossiping. They’re not worth your worry, he says, and everyone else in the room nods.

I’m not really in the holiday mood. I groan.

Come on, Evs, let’s go and have some fun. Maybe we can look into leaving as soon as possible, instead of tomorrow, Aubree offers.

Asher, the baby of the family, sits on the edge of my bed. It’ll be good for you, Everleigh. I’ll organize everything. He pulls his cell from his pocket and starts tapping.

I smile weakly. Thank you, guys. I’d be lost without you all, I say as my voice chokes on the ball of emotions in my throat.

Beckett’s grip around my shoulders tightens. We’ve got you. I think Mom and Dad are on their way up. As he says the words, they come into my room.

Does everyone have a key to my room? I ask, wondering how they all got in here without Aubree or myself letting them in.

No, this was given to me by Dean’s parents. He must have given it to them at some stage, Dad says, waving the white card in the air before dropping it onto a table.

Mom rushes to me, and Aubree moves aside to make room for her.

Honey, do you want to get out of your dress? I glance down at the Vera Wang gown, the tule a complete mess, and tears staining the smooth bodice. My makeup smears the material where I’ve wiped my eyes and then placed them on the dress.

In a minute, I say, then look up at Dad. What’s happening with everything? What did Dean’s parents say? I hope they gave him a reason for what he’s done. They’re the ones who have probably copped most of the fallout.

When your son plans to marry one of the wealthiest families in New York and then runs out, there’s going to be repercussions.

Dad clears his throat and comes closer. They said he’d been struggling for the last couple of weeks with the wedding coming closer. They had just put it down to nerves, as we all get when we’re about to get hitched. He gives a soft smile at Mom. They don’t know where he’s gone. I’m so sorry this happened, little bean. Leaning over, he places a kiss on my forehead.

Dad may be getting on in years, but he’s still healthy and active. No one would take on business tycoon, Chester Coates. He has his hand in many pies—vineyards, winery distribution, building developments, stock markets. How he keeps up with it is beyond me. I guess it’s a good thing he has sons who help with the family business.

Me, I can’t say I’m as involved. Apparently, it’s not a woman’s world.

That’s going to change after today.

I never want to have to rely on a man again.

Ever.

THEO

Where are you going? Scarlett scolds me.

I turn to face her, and the scowl on her face tells me all I need to know. I’m running away. I’m not dealing with Dad’s new peppy girlfriend. Could he find anyone younger?

Scarlett raises her eyebrows. So, you plan to leave me with them?

You’re the one with the instant family and the superstar husband he loves. Things with you two are going well. So, I’m going on holiday. I need a time-out. I shove another shirt into my suitcase and zip it closed.

Scarlett walks over and tugs my arm. "Please don’t leave me with Dad and his new girlfriend. She’s my age, Theo. And she’s too damn perky. I don’t do perky," she pleads.

Gently, I take my limb back from my sister and slowly move away with my hands raised. Dad’s given me permission to take some time off. I’m going to use this to figure out a way of getting out from under the weight of his thumb.

Well, where are you going?

I rub my chin. Hawaii. I want some sun, surf, and single ladies. I wink and hoist the case off my bed, wheeling it to the doorway.

Fine, go have your fun. Be sure to check in with me. How long are you going for and is anyone going with you?

I think maybe a week or two, depends how I feel. And yeah, yeah, I’ll message you. Brady is coming with me. He’s heading out tomorrow as he has a business meeting he can’t miss. It’s going to be epic.

Scarlett grabs her bag from the table and says, Well, I better get to work and finish a few things. Lachlan has a big game this weekend, and I don’t want to be dealing with work when I should be celebrating with him. Then there’s Levi and all his school stuff he needs help with. Yep, instant family as you say. She laughs and heads to the door. Have fun, and I’ll be talking to you later.

We say our goodbyes, and I finish grabbing the last few things I need for the flight.

A redheaded flight attendant beams down at me. Would you like another drink, sir?

Yes, please. Soda will be fine this time.

She gives me a small nod and rushes off, then returns a moment later with my drink.

I crack it open, taking a sip. The plane is relatively silent as we fly through the night. Only the hum of the engines can be heard. These flights always mess with my body clock.

A noise gains my attention. Placing my drink down, I glance around the first-class area but nothing seems out of place. It almost sounds like someone’s crying.

Climbing from my comfortable seat, I seek out the noise and stop at the bathroom door before it suddenly flies open.

A woman jumps back and clutches at her chest. Sorry, she says in a rush, followed by a sniffle. The redness in her beautiful big, brown eyes tells me all I need to know.

Are you okay? I whisper.

She quickly nods. Yes. Just a rough twenty-four hours.

My chest squeezes. This girl is broken.

Do you want to join me for a drink and hopefully I can help take your mind off whatever it is that’s bothering you? Are you on the flight alone?

Her hand quickly swipes at her eyes that still have tears welling. She clears her throat. No, I’m not alone. My friend is asleep.

I smile. Come, sit with me so you don’t have to think about whatever has you clearly upset. I hate seeing a beautiful woman such as yourself, so sad. Come watch a movie with me. I’ve got an empty seat beside me. Let’s have some food and drinks. What do you say?

Her pearly white teeth chew her bottom lip for a moment before she answers, Sure, why not. I thought I’d honestly be fresh out of tears by now, but I guess not.

I’m Theo. I extend my hand to her, which she takes.

Everleigh.

What a beautiful name for a beautiful woman. I grin. "Come on, let’s go get settled in for the remainder of the flight.

Everleigh sniffles again and glances backward. I follow her line of sight to a redheaded woman, who is clearly passed out by the way her mouth hangs slightly open. Okay, Everleigh whispers.

Follow me. I lead the way to my seat and gesture for her to take the empty spot. Reaching up, I press the button for the flight attendant.

She’s there, instantly. What can I get for you?

I glance at Everleigh. What would you like? Wine? Something stronger?

Wine is fine, please. She rattles off a name and the attendant heads off.

Everleigh and I settle into a comfortable silence until her drink comes. Even in the dim lights of the cabin, I can easily see the turmoil this girl is struggling with. Her tears keep coming even though she’s not completely sobbing. They’re like a leaking tap you can’t turn off. Her rose-pink lips touch the edge of the glass, and she sips at the golden liquid.

Something new and unfamiliar stirs within me.

I clear my throat, pushing the feeling away.

I don’t get caught up in women. I like to have fun. Nothing serious. Ever!

Do you want to talk about it? I ask.

She takes another sip. I notice the massive white diamond that gleams under even in the tiniest lighting coming from my personal lamp above us.

My eyes go wide.

Abort, abort, she’s engaged. I’m no homewrecker.

Everleigh must have caught me staring because she puts her glass in the opposite hand and begins to admire her rock, which would cause her to sink to the bottom of the ocean easily enough if we went down. She shrugs.

Why not? It’s not like you know me at all, and this will probably be the only time I see you. She pauses for a moment, taking another sip. "My fiancé ran out on our wedding yesterday."

What? I choke on my soda and start coughing.

Yep, he got cold feet. Never mind all the money my father laid out for our lavish wedding. Everything was planned and just perfect, only to have him run out the moment he was supposed to say ‘I do.’

I reach out, take her hand, and turn to face her. Her dark hair sits high on her head in a messy bun, and those brown eyes eat me up. I’m so sorry that happened to you. He’s not worth your tears if I’m being honest. Let me just say, my sister would murder me if I pulled that kind of stunt. Scarlett would tear me another hole to breathe out of, unless I had a good reason.

Everleigh giggles. My brothers went psycho. Try being the only girl amongst four boys.

Damn. If I was that man, I’d be running and not stopping until I’d left the country. Are you the baby of the family? I ask.

She shakes her head. I’m fourth out of the five of us.

Damn. Good luck to him, especially if your brothers catch up with him.

Asher is the one who’s out for blood. The other three are older and maybe would like to intimidate and taunt him a little.

I bet. Can’t say I’d be keen for them to come after me. They won’t come for blood if I’m talking to you, will they? I tease.

She smiles, and it’s a genuine one. Her entire face lights up. No, they won’t. Unless you break my heart.

That’s not my intention at all, I say.

There’s something about Everleigh that draws me to her. Perhaps it’s her emotion and my want to ease the pain she might be