Mom, Vanessa’s family owns Ashford Industries,” David had said, his chest puffed with pride. I knew the name. Any accountant worth her salt did. A multi-billion-dollar empire with fingers in everything from logistics to real estate. Old money. The kind that builds dynasties.

The wedding planning was a nightmare. Vanessa’s ideas were all expensive and designed to remind everyone which family was footing the bill. The venue had to be the Ritz-Carlton. The flowers, imported from Belgium. Even the dress she insisted I wear was a spectacle.