After My Secret Husband Chose Her Over MeChapter 1
After three years of secret marriage, Patrick Sanchez had finally agreed to go public with our relationship.
But right at that moment, the one that got away had just returned to the country and found herself caught in a media firestorm.
Edith Pruitt — former girl-group member — had been exposed for chasing a married man, and rumors swirled that she'd secretly given birth overseas.
When reporters cornered Edith in an underground parking garage, demanding answers, Patrick stepped in with an air of unshakable authority and pulled her into his arms.
"I, Patrick Sanchez, am the father of that child."
"Let me make this perfectly clear: Edith and I are in a committed relationship. She is not a homewrecker. And if I find out anyone is spreading lies about her again, expect to hear from my lawyers."
"Patrick..." Edith gazed up at him, tears brimming in her eyes, as though a god had descended from the heavens to save her.
A reporter pressed them on why they'd never gotten their marriage license. And right there, in front of everyone, Patrick dropped to one knee. He pulled out a silver ring and declared:
"You once threw this into a lake in a fit of anger. I had every drop of water drained just to find it again."
"Now I want to ask you, Edith Pruitt — will you put this ring back on, as a promise to marry me, as a symbol of our love?"
Edith pressed a trembling hand to her lips, overcome with emotion.
"Yes. I will."
……
And I — Patrick Sanchez's legal wife — could only watch through the car window as the two of them kissed passionately while the reporters cheered them on.
They were close enough that I could see the thin silver thread of saliva that stretched between their lips as they reluctantly pulled apart.
Strange. The heater in the car was running full blast, but my hands and feet were ice cold. My teeth wouldn't stop chattering.
My phone buzzed.
A text from my best friend, congratulating me — she said I'd finally waited long enough for the clouds to part and the sun to shine through.
My fingers trembled over the screen. I couldn't bring myself to reply.
Three hours ago, after all my begging and pleading, Patrick had agreed to make our marriage public. Even though he'd said he could only announce it internally at the company, I'd been over the moon. I'd actually let myself believe I meant something to him.