Millionaire Attends His Ex’s Wedding. But the Bridesmaid Ends Up Stealing His Heart Instead
An Intriguing Meeting
Jasper Vaughn had no idea why he had accepted the wedding invitation. Maybe it was morbid curiosity, maybe it was the need for closure, or maybe just maybe he wanted to prove to himself that he was over Isabella Russo.
She was the woman who had once promised him forever and then walked away without a second glance. Now he stood in the Grand Ballroom of the Saint Regis Hotel, dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, his Rolex glinting under the golden chandeliers.
The room was overflowing with flowers, candles, and champagne towers. It was extravagant, excessive, exactly the kind of wedding Isabella had always dreamed of. And yet, none of it mattered to him anymore.
“Jasper Vaughn,” a familiar voice called from behind him.
He turned, forcing a polite smile as Isabella’s fiancé, Damien Sinclair, extended a hand.
“Glad you could make it, man. It means a lot.”
Jasper shook his hand, his grip firm, his expression unreadable.
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
A lie; he would rather be anywhere else. Then, as if the universe had decided to reward him for his suffering, his gaze landed on her.
A woman in a deep blue bridesmaid dress stood near the bar, laughing at something one of the other bridesmaids said. Her dark brown hair cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders and her full lips curled into a smile that was warm and effortless.
She was breathtaking.
“Who is that?” Jasper asked, his voice lower than intended.
Damien followed his gaze and chuckled.
“Daphne Zeller. Isabella’s childhood best friend. She just got back from London. Works in publishing, I think.”
He smirked.
“She’s trouble, Vaughn. Stay far away.”
That only made Jasper more interested. He crossed the ballroom without hesitation, drawn to her like a force he couldn’t resist. As he approached, Daphne turned, her hazel eyes locking onto his.
For a moment she looked surprised, then amused.
“You’re Jasper Vaughn,” she said, tilting her head. “The ex?”
He arched a brow.
“And you’re Daphne Zeller, the bridesmaid who should be careful about labeling people before she meets them.”
She laughed, a rich melodic sound that sent a strange warmth through him.
“Fair enough. Though to be honest, I wasn’t expecting you to actually show up.”
“Neither was I,” he admitted. “But now I think it was the best decision I’ve made in a long time.”
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“Oh? And why is that?”
“Because I just met the most intriguing woman at this wedding.”
Daphne rolled her eyes but smiled anyway.
“That line probably works on a lot of women.”
“I don’t use lines,” he said smoothly. “And even if I did, I have a feeling you’d see right through them.”
She studied him for a moment as if trying to figure him out. Jasper was used to women throwing themselves at him, drawn to his name, his wealth, and his power.
But Daphne didn’t seem the least bit impressed. That was exactly why he couldn’t take his eyes off her. Just then the music shifted, signaling the start of the couple’s first dance.
The guests turned to watch, but Jasper didn’t. He had no interest in seeing Isabella in Damian’s arms. Instead, he leaned in slightly.
“Dance with me.”
Daphne blinked.
“What?”
“You heard me.”
He extended a hand.
“One dance.”
She hesitated for a fraction of a second before placing her hand in his.
“All right, Jasper Vaughn. One dance.”
