Listen to Lie To Me by Tate McRae and Ali Gate.

"What the hell?" I stared at his hand and his face. "Are you confused, or do you need glasses to see clearly?" I asked.

He smiled sweetly at me, like I'd just complimented him.

"I know you're mad at me for taking the wedding this far. I'm sorry," he said so softly that it sounded true.

I searched for the right thing to say, but words failed me. I was too shocked to utter a word to this stranger calling me his lover.

"Chloe?" I heard Grey's voice.Disbelief was evident on his face as his eyes narrowed and eyebrows lowered at Tristan's words.

"Grey, you know he is lying. I'm just seeing this douche bag for the first time."

"Oh, hi, Grey. Chloe told me a lot about you," Tristan said with a grin and extended his long hand for shaking. Grey kept him hanging, and Tristan gave up, dropping his hand with a suppressed chuckle.

"When? I don't even know you?!" I asked with a hot glare.

"What exactly did she tell you?" Grey asked with a hard look, his strong jawline clenched.

"You're the cover she told me about. We needed a veil for our relationship. Thanks for being there, man," Tristan said smoothly with that smile I was starting to hate.

How could he act so cool while ruining someone's life?

"What?" I stared at Tristan.

What is he playing at?Is this a prank show?

I looked around for any hidden cameras or mics but was met with a hundred pairs of eyes.

What is happening? I was speechless for a while; I thought my brain had shut down to take a rest, and I was left on my own.

"A cover?" Grey cocked his eyebrows in question at me.

I couldn't believe he was buying Tristan's expensive lies.

"Chloe Simpson!" Sofia's voice shut everyone up.

I turned to look at her as she marched toward us, holding the bottom of her wedding dress for easy movement. My eyes caught a glimpse of Ciara; she looked like she was having a hard time breathing. The color from her face drained.

I turned to look at Tristan, who was looking down at me like I was an interesting piece of art he'd just discovered. His scrutinizing stare held a deeper mystery. I was going to interrogate him and show everyone he was lying.

"Okay, if what you're saying is true, then where did we meet? When is my birthday? What is my favorite color? Food? Allergies? Spring or summer? Do I shave or—"

"You!" Sofia's loud voice cut me off, and she stole the spotlight—not like I was complaining. Her perfect hairstyle was already disheveled, and her makeup wasn't helping her situation. Black tears stained her cheeks, and the corners of her eyes were smudged with wet mascara. But I couldn't blame her for looking like a zombie.

How did I even get involved in this mess? I only came for the cake!

"Sofia, I swear he is lying," I tried to explain.

"Chloe, there's nothing to be afraid of. We can't keep it a secret anymore." Tristan's soft voice came from beside me.

"Hide what? I don't know you!" I yelled at his face.

"Really? 'Cause I'm starting to think this is all true." I was surprised that had come from Grey.

"Grey, you've known me for a long time.Do you really believe this guy?"

"Yes."

What a straightforward answer.

I froze for a moment, hearing his reply; those three letters were like bullets shot into my heart. It hurt because it was as if I'd handed him the gun to protect me, but instead, he'd shot me right in the face with the same gun I'd trusted him with.

"It wouldn't be the first time you had an affair with a married man, Chloe. I thought you closed that chapter of your life," Grey said, looking disappointed.

My face went pale, and I could hear a few people murmuring.

How can he bring up the past in a situation like this?

I was kind of hoping this was part of the wedding, and Tristan and Sofia would laugh at my face, telling me it was all an act to entertain the congregation, but I didn't get why I had to be the main character.

Was I supposed to play along or remain clueless? I was so confused, and my senses were taking forever to analyze the situation. I turned to Grey, trying to pound some sense into him. How could he give in to Tristan's lies so easily?

"Grey ..."

"Maybe he is the reason we don't go past kissing. I always thought it was because of your parents, but now, I see the reason. I always knew you were hiding something," he said, stepping away from me like I carried a contagious disease.

"Are you for real? You're an idiot if you believe a word that left his mouth."

"Am I, Chloe? Given your history, we both know what you're capable of. I'm out of here." He glared at Tristan before walking away.

Wow, he was using my past mistakes against me.

"Are you breaking up with me?" I held back my tears. I needed to hear him say it.

"Were we ever in a relationship? I was just a diversion, remember?" The pain and resentment in his voice made my eyes burn, but I refused to cry.

"Grey ..." I called, but he didn't wait to listen to whatever I had to say.He walked out of the church.

I bit down on my wobbling lip, holding back my tears. There was an awkward silence in the church. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, as if I were on the biggest stage in the world and everyone was waiting for me to give an outstanding performance.

"Well, that was easy. I figured it would be hard for you to tell him the truth," Tristan said behind me.

I turned around to face him. At that moment, I wanted nothing more but for him to drop dead. I clenched my fist, hoping he could feel the waves of anger radiating from my body. My blood was boiling.

What is this asshole up to, and why me?

Don't punch him, Chloe.Don't break his nose, Chloe.Don't knee his crotch, Chloe. Just stay calm and convince everyone he is lying.

"Why are you doing this?" I fought to keep my tears at bay as I spoke.

"You should calm down, babe; it's not good for the baby if you're angry," he said with a worried tone, his blue eyes looking at me like he adored me.

"What baby, Tristan?" I screamed.

"Babe, I understand you're scared everyone knows about us now," he said, trying to touch me, but I moved back, my face twitching with rage.

God, what a good actor, but why is he wasting his talent on me?

"Who would've thought the innocent-looking little sister of my best friend was this vile?" Sofia squeaked.

I turned to look at her and immediately wished I hadn't. "Sofia, I—"

She cut me off with killer eyes. "Is that why you avoided me every time I came to visit? Because you were sleeping with my boyfriend?"

Am I trapped in a horrific dream? That had to be the only explanation.

"No!" I snapped. Someone had to believe this was all a lie.

"I swear I'm seeing him for the first time. I had homework and projects from school when you—"

"Oh, please. Enough with the excuses. The truth is out already, so stop denying it. How could you be so wicked?"

I was speechless.

Why is everyone believing him? Do I look pregnant? Why would I even wanna get involved with this psychopath?

"I'm sorry, Sofia. I wish I'd told you earlier," Tristan said with a tone that could convince anyone this was all true and real.

My case was different.It was as if I were screaming but no one could hear me.

"You just ruined my life, Tristy." Sofia sniffled, heavy tears mixing with her mascara and streaming down her cheeks like black ink.

Tristy? I tried not to laugh, even with the situation at hand. It sounded like the name of a candy bar.

"You just disgraced me and my family in front of hundred people" she said, sobbing. Her shoulders sagged.

"I'm sorry," Tristan said.

"I hope you have a miscarriage and die in the process." She lashed out at me with a burning stare, storming out of the church while crying.

Well, that is harsh, and I hope you trip on your heels and smash your face on the ground to the point that no one recognizes you, I wanted to yell after her but stopped myself.

I understood her anger, but why should I be the only one blamed? My only crime was attending the wedding.

Sofia's parents stood up and walked toward us.Her mother was already in tears. I felt so guilty, like it was really my fault.

"Mrs. Nova ..." I kept my mouth shut when her husband shot me a cold glare.

They walked out of the church quietly. I guessed it wasn't a wedding drama; it was real.

"Are you happy now?" I turned to Tristan with teary eyes, but I maintained a straight face.

"Yeah, I'm happy we finally got to tell everyone the truth, and we can be together now," he said with a soft smile that made his stupid blue eyes sparkle with mischief.

"Truth? You know this is all a lie! Wake up from whatever this is. I don't wanna be a part of it!" I yelled.

"Babe, we can't keep hiding," he said softly, placing his hands on my shoulders.

Even on my five-inch heels, I felt so short.

How To Get Away with Murder. I should have joined my best friend, Vina, to watch that series. I could really use some tips right now.

"Babe," he called, looking straight into my eyes.

He just ruined the meaning of babe for me. He was a pro at this. I must admit, the way he'd said the word sounded like he'd known me for a long time. His eyes focused on me, as if whatever love story he'd made up was true.

"I love you, and we are going to bring up our baby together in a happy home," he whispered, not breaking his gaze away from me.

My eggs are still untouched, dude. They have never seen a sperm.

"What are you gonna gain from this, huh?" I asked, pushing his hands away.

I knew everyone was watching us, amused by my dilemma. I thought of running out of the church, but what would people think about it? I needed to prove my innocence. Running away would only give the wrong message.

Something flickered in his eye. I must prove to everyone he is lying one way or another. Maybe if I piss him off to his breaking point, he will reveal the truth.

"You know what? All I need right now is a doctor."

I saw fear in his eyes, but it vanished in a second.

"I'm out of here." I turned to walk away, but he held me back.

"Babe—"

"Don't babe me!" I tried to pull my hand away.

Oh, good heavens, I didn't sign up for this.

"I get that you're upset."

"Oh, I am way past upset."

"Aren't you tired of hiding, Chloe?" He looked so serious, like he'd just switched personalities with someone else.

For a moment, I almost believed he knew me. I had been hiding, trying hard to fit into people's expectations.

"We kept hiding because of what people would say about us. Well, I'm sick of that."

I shook my head in amazement. He was damn good.

"You're insane!" I yelled and pulled my hand away with all the strength I could summon.

"I know how scared you are, but we can't keep it a secret anymore. I don't care what anyone thinks. I'm going to take care of you and our precious baby. We don't have to live in fear. We can be happy now," he said in a voice that sounded like he was about to break down.

I would have believed him if I wasn't the victim. He was that good.

I never thought I'd come across an award-winning liar.

"I stopped the wedding for us, for you, for the baby. I know you're scared about what people will start saying, but I will always be by your side. We are in this together." He said it like he was saying his vows.

I was surprised when the congregation chorused, "Awww."

Come on, people. This is not the time to fall for his charm!

Tristan's lips wavered, and he stepped closer, knowing he had the congregation's support now. He took my hands. I tried pulling them away, but he held them tightly.

How many fights do I have to put up? Will everyone believe me if I take off my heel and pluck out his eyeballs?

"We'll get through this, Chloe, I promise," he said as if he meant every word, and I had to remind myself that this was all an act.

Why is he doing this? If he didn't feel like getting married anymore, he could have stopped the wedding and left. No need for more drama.

I turned my head to look at everyone in the church; they were all staring at me like they wanted me to admit everything was true. Some were smiling, and others gave me a look of contempt. My eyes stopped moving when they landed on my sister, noticing her hands were fisted by her sides. Our eyes locked, and I felt like I'd found my savior. My sister could prove him wrong. She'd known me her whole life; we shared every secret. She knew this was all a lie.

She started walking toward us in her white Louboutin T-strap pumps that clicked on the marble floor, and I smiled. At least I had someone to save me from whatever this psycho was up to.

I pulled away from him as she got closer, but she wasn't smiling. I suspected it was because of Tristan.

Kick his ass, Ciara! Tell him not to mess with your kid sister.

My shoulders relaxed with hope when she stopped in front of me, but what happened next, I didn't see it coming.

Ciara gave me a slap, the sound of it echoing in the church. I heard a few people gasp. I was shocked too. My cheek stung at the contact. It was the first time in months she'd ever hit me. I touched where she'd just slapped me and stared at her with wide eyes. She didn't look like she regretted it.

The last time she'd slapped me was because I had eaten her last piece of pizza that she was saving to eat later. It resulted in a fight, and I'd ended up with a sore arm.

My jaw was slightly down as I stared, wide-eyed, at my sister, who I looked up to.

Tristan's towering form moved in front of me, taking a protective stance, hiding me from my sister.

"That's enough.If you touch her again, I will charge you with assault." He sounded very angry.

I stared at his broad back as his tall frame shielded me from my sister's wrath. A tear rolled down my left cheek. At this point, there was no need to try to convince anyone of the truth. My sister, with whom I shared everything, believed the lies too.