Veronica and Mr. Cobb Novel My Wedding Dress Triggered the Fall of a Giant

Veronica's POV
As my jobs pretty unique, I barely interact with people outside of work.
Naturally, my mom started to worry. She thought I might not be into guys. So, she took matters into her own hands and arranged a marriage for me.
The guy on paper was perfect. He was good-looking, charming, and the son of the wealthiest man in town.
Since I spent most of my time at the office and rarely had time for shopping, my boss had a custom wedding dress made for me.
On the day of the wedding, I was about to get changed and walk down the aisle, only to find my dress tossed in the trash.
Before I could even process what was going on, my so-called fiancs secretary barged in and shoved a bridesmaid dress at me, all high and mighty.
What are you staring at? The ceremonys about to start. Get dressed, she barked.
I forced myself to stay calm and replied, Im the bride. And you expect me to wear this?
She rolled her eyes like I was being ridiculous. Just put it on. No need to make a scene.
Then she added smugly, Mr. Cobb specifically said Ill be taking your place at the altar.
I stood there, stunned. It took me a moment to react before I pulled out my phone and dialed my fianc.
Mr. Cobb, I said, trying to keep my voice steady. Dont you think your family owes me an explanation for this little switch-up?

This wedding had been filed and cleared through multiple levels at my job. If word got out that I was replaced last-minute, itd be humiliating, possibly career-ending.
I was willing to let it slide if he owned up to it and apologized. But all I got was a snide response.
Explanation? What exactly do you want me to explain? His tone was dripping with disdain.
Mr. Cobb, I know weve never actually met before today, I said, but I am supposed to be your fiance. Letting someone else take my place in the ceremonyisnt that a little absurd?
Before I could even finish, he hung up.
I froze.
Was this how rich boys acted?
The secretary chuckled right in my face. Miss Riley, do yourself a favor and just change. You should be grateful. Marrying into the Cobb family? You mustve saved a nation in your past life.
She took one look at my simple dress and modest appearance and clearly thought I wasnt worth her time.
I am the bride. Theres no way Im putting that on! I snapped. Then I pointed toward a nearby staff member and continued, And if you keep pushing me, I will have security escort you out.
I thought that would scare her, but nope. She only got more arrogant.
Miss Riley, she sneered, this is New York. This is the Cobbs' turf. You think anyone here would dare help you?
Her voice kept rising, and her saliva even sprayed on my face while ranting.
I clenched my fists, my eyes narrowing.
Ridiculous, I said coldly. A mere businessman acting like hes royalty just because were in New York? What a joke.
As soon as the words left my mouth, she gave me a deadly glare.
Who the hell do you think you are, throwing a tantrum on the Cobb's territory? she shouted. This is your final warning. Put on that dress or I swear, Ill turn your wedding into a funeral!
Id worked in one place since graduating from college, so I dont exactly have a public presence, and Ive never had someone threaten me to my face like that.
But she crossed the line.
My anger boiled over.
I dont believe you, I firmly said.
The whole room fell silent, and the staff nearby gasped.
Holy crap, is this girl insane? She just went head-to-head with Miss Gillian! Is she already tired of living?
Its just a dress, for gods sake. Shes gonna throw away a wedding ith the Cobbs over clothes? She'll regret it if so.
Right? Shes lucky to even be marrying into that family. Who cares who stands at the altar?


Veronica's POV
As the whispers around us grew louder, the secretarys smug expression only deepened.
You hear that? she sneered. A nobody like you, with no background and no skills, thinking you can be the bride? Keep dreaming, sweetheart.
Yet, their mockery didnt faze me one bit. If anything, I found it kind of funny.
Gillian Snee, right? I said calmly. Let me repeat myself one last time. Give me back my wedding dress.
But instead of hearing me out, she simply sneered, Bring back your wedding dress, my ass!
She even cursed at me a few more times, then apparently decided that wasnt enough. She rolled up her sleeves and stormed toward me.
What now? I shot back. The Cobbs' lapdog cant argue with words, so you go straight to violence?
Without anymore words, she swung at my face several times, but never even touched the hem of my dress. That only made her more furious.
You little bitch! Just stand there again and see what happens! she barked. You want me to call Mr. Cobb right now?!
Despite her threat, I still didnt react or retaliate. I just stood there in silence.
It wasnt because I was scared.
It was because before I left work, my supervisor had pulled me aside and reminded me, Every word you say and every move you make reflects on the organization. So stay calm, no matter what happens.
Also, I dont fight. But if I ever do strike back, Im not aiming for warnings. I aim to end it.
Yet, Gillian seemed to think my silence meant Id backed down. So she balled her fist and lunged again.
But just then, a deep voice thundered from the entrance.
Enough!
A tall man with broad shoulders and commanding presence strode in, surrounded by bodyguards.
Gillian! he snapped. Youre my personal secretary. What are you doing throwing punches in public?
So this was himHayden Cobb, the groom.
I gave him a quick once-over. My mom hadnt lied. He looked like a man pulled straight from a magazineclose to 6'3", dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, handsome, and refined.
If I had to point out a flaw, itd be the way he looked at mecold, detached, like I wasnt even human.
Mr. Cobb, I said, stepping forward with a calm smile. Since were finally meeting, allow me to introduce myself. Im Veronica Riley from
That wont be necessary, he interrupted, waving a hand impatiently. Im not the least bit interested in who you are.
For a second, I thought Id misheard him.
I was supposed to be his bride, the Cobbs' future daughter-in-law.
And here he was, publicly humiliating me before the wedding even started.
Mr. Cobb, I said, keeping my composure, I understand this arrangement came from our parents, and weve never met before. But at the very least, you could let me finish a sentence. Isnt that basic courtesy?
His expression immediately darkened by what I'd said.
Courtesy? he scoffed. Veronica, do me a favor. Go find a mirror, take a good look at yourself, and ask if someone like you deserves me.
He then shot me a contemptuous glance and let out a short, bitter laugh.