Chapter 166

[Vanessa]

Before my workout, I had been depressed about the idea of going out on a date, pretending to like someone else as part of a cover act while knowing my fiancé is out there somewhere watching me from afar. But now, as I place a strand of blue pearls around my neck, knowing they are a gift from Hunter, it feels like I am dressing up for him.

And I guess, in some ways, that's exactly what I am doing.

The seamstress was discreetly silent as she let out my dress, promising me that the sheer overlayer with its empire cut would be enough to hide the alterations. "Nobody will know," she whispered with a small half smile. "I keep my clients' secrets."

"Thank you," I had squeezed her hand in true gratitude. I need to remember to give her a generous bonus for her discretion. There are so many people who would take the opportunity to spill a secret like that to the wrong ears.

If Debrassy knew the truth, that I'm carrying Hunter's heir, he'd use it against him, as a way to draw him out