He Gave Her an Hour, I Chose Another Groom in Seconds Chapter 02
A city hall staff member passing by noticed them and teased, “You two make such a sweet couple. Getting a massage in public? You’re making me blush.”
Willa blushed coyly. Silas laughed awkwardly, yet he didn’t correct the misunderstanding. He let everyone assume they were together.
I didn’t utter a single word, turning to sink back into the waiting chair. My eyes burned, but I blinked the tears back.
Willa stole a glance at the digital queue screen. The moment she realized we’d missed our number, her “cramp” miraculously vanished.
She pulled Silas upright and shot me an awkward smile. “I’m truly sorry, Chloe. I made you miss your turn again.”
Silas steadied her into a seat before turning to shoot me a sharp, reproachful look. “Why were you rushing so hard? You upset Willa so much she cramped up. Couldn’t you just wait patiently?”
Willa tugged gently at Silas’s arm, pretending to defend me. “Silas, don’t talk like that. Chloe’s just excited to get married. We just… need to get a new ticket.”
I ignored both of them and walked over to the ticketing machine and printed another slip.
The clerk behind the machine recognized me and sighed, warning me softly. “Honey, you’ve missed your slot multiple times already. Don’t let anything delay you this time. This is the last batch of morning appointment tickets for marriage licenses. If you miss this, you’ll have to come back in the afternoon.”
I glanced back. Over in the seating area, Silas leaned close to Willa, whispering something that made both of them shake with laughter.
“I understand. Thank you.” Silas, this is your final chance.
I clutched the new ticket and returned to my seat.
My phone buzzed inside my purse—it was Mom. I answered.
“Sweetie, did you and Silas get your license yet? You left home at eight this morning. I’ve reheated lunch twice. When are you coming back?”
I stared down, unsure how to explain everything to her.
The long silence made Mom pick up on the trouble immediately. “Is Willa there too? I bet she’s behind all this nonsense.”
My throat tightened, and a wave of raw frustration crashed over me. “Yeah. We missed our window twice because of her.”
Mom took a deep breath. “Chloe, enough is enough. If his heart isn’t fully in this, even if you sign the papers today, your marriage will be miserable. Pass the phone to Silas. I want to talk to him.”
I twisted toward Silas and held out the phone. “Mom wants to speak with you.”
Silas had been chatting happily with Willa until I interrupted him. Irritation flickered across his face, but he took the phone anyway, softening his tone. “Hello, Mom.”
“Don’t call me Mom yet. I’m still your future mother-in-law. Chloe got up before dawn to do her hair and makeup and booked the first slot, hoping to be the first couple married today. You showed up late, and now you’re messing around so long you haven’t signed anything. What’s going on?”
Silas shot me a glare. “Chloe’s complaining to you again? It’s not a big deal. Willa had a few issues, so we missed our number. I’ve got a new ticket now. Just a short wait, it won’t be long.”
Mom’s temper flared hearing his casual attitude.
She raised her voice sharply. “Not a big deal? Missing your marriage license appointment isn’t a big deal? Silas, you’re supposed to marry Chloe. Why did you bring another woman here to cause drama? And Willa—what’s she doing inserting herself into someone else’s wedding day? Have some decency!”
Mom’s voice carried far enough for Willa to hear every word. Her eyes welled instantly, tears spilling down her cheeks.
She leaned toward the phone, sounding hurt. “Auntie, I’m so sorry. I never meant to cause trouble. Chloe and I have been best friends for years. I only wanted to be here for her. I wasn’t trying to ruin anything.”
Seeing Willa crying, Silas’s tone turned hostile toward Mom. “Auntie, please speak respectfully of Willa. She’s Chloe’s friend, and she meant well. It’s just a small misunderstanding. There’s no need to yell or blow things out of proportion.”