Chapter 4

He had not even asked whether the wine had hit me.

Whether I was hurt.

His first instinct was always to protect Chloe.

Then blame me for making too much of it.

“The backup dress is last year’s collection,” I said, staring at him. “You expect me to wear that onstage at my own engagement party?”

“So what if it’s last year’s?” Adrian said impatiently. “It still fits, doesn’t it? Do you really have to throw a tantrum now?”

“Go change. Stop holding everyone up.”

He gave me a slight shove.

And in that moment, I saw him clearly.

I took a slow breath.

Just a little longer, Vivienne.

Five more minutes.

“Fine,” I said blankly. “I’ll go change.”

I turned toward the dressing room.

Behind me, I heard Adrian soothing Chloe.

“It’s okay, Chloe. Stop crying. You’re going to ruin your makeup.”

I stepped into the dressing room, peeled off the ruined gown, and changed into the plain backup dress.

It was dull.

Forgettable.

And in the mirror, it made me look almost shabby.

I smiled.

Adrian, did you really think ruining my big moment would protect your dignity?

You were wrong.

Tonight’s big moment had never been about a dress.

My phone buzzed.

A message from my cousin.

'Vivienne, the sound system and screens are all set. Just say the word.'

I pushed open the dressing-room door.

“Vivienne, are you ready?” Adrian called from outside. “The emcee is waiting!”

“I’m ready.”

I walked out in the dark red backup dress.

Adrian looked me over.

A flicker of disdain crossed his face before impatience replaced it.

“Come on. Everyone’s waiting.”

He did not take my hand.

He simply walked ahead.

The lights in the ballroom dimmed.

A spotlight fell across the center of the stage as the emcee announced the start of the engagement ceremony.

Adrian and I walked onstage together to a round of applause.

He took the microphone and began the speech he had clearly rehearsed for weeks.

“Thank you to all our family and friends for coming to celebrate Vivienne and me today.”

He looked at me with such manufactured affection that anyone who did not know the truth might have believed him.

“Vivienne is an incredible woman. Marrying her is the greatest blessing of my life.”

Warm laughter and applause rose from the guests.

Then Adrian changed direction.

He looked toward the head table.

“There’s someone else I want to thank today.”

He paused, his tone heartfelt.

“My closest friend, Chloe Bennett.”

Every eye in the room turned toward Chloe in her glamorous bridesmaid dress.

“Over the years, I’ve been busy building my career. Chloe has been the one helping me carry the load.”

“She isn’t just my business partner. She’s family. Chloe, thank you for always being there.”

Adrian raised his glass toward her.

Chloe stood, tears shining in her eyes as she covered her mouth and nodded repeatedly.

I stood onstage, listening to my fiancé make a heartfelt tribute to another woman.

It was certainly a new experience.

Adrian looked moved by his own speech.

Like he genuinely believed he was a loyal, devoted man.

“And now,” the emcee said, stepping in to ease the awkwardness, “it’s time for the exchange of engagement rings.”

“May we invite the bridesmaid to bring up the rings that symbolize their love?”

Romantic music began to play.

Chloe walked onto the stage carrying a tray with the ring box.

She moved slowly, her skirt swaying around her.

But just as she reached Adrian, her ankle seemed to give out.

She pitched forward.