Chapter 1Three Slaps on Her Wedding Day

My best friend was standing at the altar in a stunning white gown.

Without a word, I stormed onto the stage and, in front of all her friends and family, slapped her. Twice. Hard.

Her husband, her parents, her in-laws—not a single one of them moved to stop me.

As she stared at me in stunned silence, I raised my hand again.

She screamed in terror, "I'm calling the police!"

Her husband grabbed her wrist.

"You call them," he warned, his voice like ice, "and this wedding is off."

* * *

Before I laid a hand on her, I asked a very serious question.

"Why did you choose a white dress?"

My best friend, Rosalie, didn't even hesitate. "What else is a bride supposed to wear?"

A cold dread washed over me.

I walked up to her and swung.

A maid of honor striking the bride. It was unheard of.

A wave of murmurs rippled through the guests. They were all trying to guess what kind of feud Rosalie and I had, what could possibly drive me to attack her on the most important day of her life.

The sudden slap sent Rosalie stumbling back, dazed. She nearly fell.

Her husband, Daniel Gray, stood right beside her, motionless.

"Mia, are you out of your goddamn mind?!" Rosalie shrieked at me. "If you have a problem with me, just say it! Why would you just hit me out of nowhere?"

"Are we not best friends anymore?"

"We are," I answered, my voice firm. Of that, I had no doubt.

Rosalie cradled her already swelling cheek, her face a mask of wounded betrayal.

"Then talk to me. I know you have a temper, but you can't just hit people."

I fought to keep my own emotions in check. "You really don't know why I did that?"

She shook her head, bewildered. After a moment, she asked, "Did I do something to hurt you?"

I let out a long, heavy sigh and beckoned her closer.

"Come here. I'll tell you."

The moment she stepped in front of me, smack!

I hit her again.