Chapter 4

Mitchell stared at the notification on the screen, unease creeping into his chest again.

Just as he reached for Heather's phone to see what it was about, the dressing room curtain suddenly swished open, and Heather stepped out.

The gown she wore complemented the gemstone jewelry Mitchell had chosen for her perfectly, adding an ethereal glow to her already stunning beauty.

Mitchell forgot all about the countdown on her phone. His eyes lit up, transfixed by her.

"Heather, I'm so lucky to have you."

In the past, Heather would have blushed under the intensity of his gaze, her heart racing.

But now, her expression remained calm. She avoided his gaze and felt no flicker of emotion in her chest.

Mitchell leaned in to kiss her, but she subtly turned her head, sidestepping him.

"Let's go. We're running late," she said.

As she picked up her phone, Mitchell's mind returned to the countdown he'd glimpsed earlier. His brow furrowed as he spoke, "I saw a countdown on your phone—seven days. What's it about?"

Heather froze for a moment, a flicker of panic darting through her eyes before she quickly regained her composure.

She had no intention of letting Mitchell discover her plans to leave.

"It's the wedding day countdown. Have you forgotten?" she replied, meeting his gaze with apparent ease.

Mitchell's face betrayed a flicker of guilt, and he quickly brushed off the moment.

Before the gala began, the hall was already abuzz, packed with guests chatting animatedly.

Mitchell draped a shawl over Heather's shoulders as a chill from the air conditioning set in.

The small gesture didn't go unnoticed. Women around them looked on enviously, while Mitchell's friends and business partners teased with knowing smiles.

"Mr. Bennett, you're so devoted to Ms. Longstaff. We can't find a more perfect couple in all of Kennethville. I'll definitely be there to celebrate your wedding next week."

"Mr. Bennett, you're second to none in spoiling your fiancée. If this were a competition, you'd definitely win!"

"Exactly! Mr. Bennett is the ideal husband. What woman in Kennethville wouldn't envy Ms. Longstaff?"

The air buzzed with compliments about how perfect they looked together. Mitchell smiled, and the cold, distant look that usually kept people at arm's length softened just a little.

Even though he knew it was all a calculated attempt to win his favor, Mitchell still found it quite pleasing. He didn't turn anyone away, regardless of who came to greet him.

People found ways to get closer to Mitchell, and flattering words came pouring out without hesitation.

Heather's head throbbed with the incessant chatter. It buzzed in her ears, leaving her dizzy.

And she had no interest in hearing congratulatory remarks from people who didn't know the truth.

Noticing her growing discomfort, Mitchell waved the crowd away and led her to a quieter corner.

Their reprieve didn't last long. Bethany, dressed in a sleek black gown, approached with an air of practiced grace.

"Mr. Bennett, Ms. Longstaff, it's been a while," Bethany greeted, her voice carrying a deliberate sweetness.

Bethany was here as a guest speaker, a representative of the charity supported by the Bennetts over the years.

Heather didn't want to engage in pleasantries. She pretended not to notice and kept her eyes fixed on her phone.

Bethany took a step closer, her voice dripping with an insincere apology.

"Ms. Longstaff, are you still upset with me? I want to apologize for the last time. I was desperate and thought asking Mr. Bennett to pretend to marry me would help.

"But Mr. Bennett turned me down, and I've moved on. I even have a boyfriend now. Let's put the past behind us, shall we?"

Heather caught the mocking undertone in Bethany's words. There wasn't a hint of genuine remorse, only veiled provocation.

Mitchell noticed Bethany's smug tone, too, and his expression darkened. He snapped at her impatiently, "Know your place. Heather doesn't like you, so stay away."

Bethany let out a coquettish laugh. "She might not like me, but some people do," she teased, casting a bold look at Mitchell and winking.

Mitchell swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. He grabbed his glass and downed the drink in one gulp, avoiding her gaze.

Heather watched the exchange, her chest tightening as if a cold hand had clenched her heart. Without a word, she stood and headed toward the restroom.

Mitchell quickly followed, leaving Bethany behind, now surrounded by a group of admirers.

"Bethany, your dress is stunning! And those earrings—gorgeous!" someone gushed.

Bethany tilted her head proudly. "Of course. My boyfriend gave me these. Only the best for me."

Her boast drew another round of admiring murmurs.

"Those earrings look like they're from the same set as Ms. Longstaff's jewelry. Maybe your boyfriend and Mr. Bennett bought them from the same store."

Heather paused mid-step, her peripheral vision catching the glint of her diamond bracelet. She yanked it off and clenched it tightly in her fist, the stones digging into her palm until it hurt.