Chapter 1

At twenty-two, Tyrra thought she knew exactly what she wanted. Since she was fifteen, she had dreamed of this day: marrying the man she loved, finishing school, and starting a family of her own.

Little by little, it felt like everything was finally falling into place. A week after her graduation, she stood in a white gown for the final fitting before her wedding tomorrow.

Flavier filled her thoughts. She had loved him from the moment they met three years ago. Tomorrow, she would walk down the aisle, and the thought made her heart race. Excitement and nerves fluttered together in her chest.

“You’re going to be the most beautiful bride, Tyrra!” Grace called, breaking her thoughts.

Tyrra smiled, her eyes almost sparkling. “I already feel like the most beautiful bride. It feels like a fairytale… but I can’t help being a little nervous too.”

Grace grinned. “Perfectly fairytale and perfectly nervous. That’s normal.”

Tyrra glanced at the designer adjusting the gown’s final details. “It’s perfect. Absolutely perfect.”

“I’m sure Flavier won’t be able to take his eyes off you,” Grace said, her voice soft with awe.

Tyrra spun slowly, letting the fabric flow around her. “Thank you, Grace. What would I do without you?” She stopped and faced her sister.

Tyrra had lost her mother at birth. Grace, the daughter of their father’s second marriage, had grown up almost like a twin sister to her. Different bloodlines, yes, but inseparable hearts.

“Let’s hope Flavier never finds out just how nervous you are,” Grace teased, glancing at her watch.

Tyrra laughed, a mix of joy and nerves bubbling inside. Tomorrow would change everything, and she couldn’t wait… but she also couldn’t stop her heart from racing.

“Shoot! I need to go to the florist. I hope all the flowers are exactly as we ordered. Can you stay here for a bit?”

Tyrra rolled her eyes and laughed. “I’m not a kid. Of course, I’ll be fine.”

“Okay, try to rest. Get some sleep if you can. Tonight is your last night as a bachelorette, we have to celebrate!” Grace teased. Tyrra laughed as she watched her sister leave.

Half an hour later, after the designer had gone, Tyrra lay in bed. Thoughts of Flavier swirled in her mind. Tomorrow, she’d walk down the aisle to him, and the thought made her heart pound. She missed him already.

Impulsively, she grabbed her car keys. She couldn’t resist seeing him for a little while before Grace returned. On the way, she called him to make sure he was home.

The phone rang four times before his voice came through, warm and teasing. “Hey, soon-to-be-wife.”

Tyrra’s cheeks flushed. “Hello, soon-to-be-husband.”

“Miss me?” he asked, like he could read her thoughts.

“Of course. Where are you? Is Rek with you?” she asked.

“No, Rek isn’t here yet. I’m just at home… getting things ready. You know, for when my wife moves in.”

She smiled, savoring every word. “What about you? What are you doing?”

“Me? Just… thinking about you,” he said quickly, though she knew he was pretending.

Tyrra’s grin widened. “Okay. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow… in my dress. I love you so much.”

“I love you more. I’ll let you go finish what you’re doing…”

“I’ll wrap this up and call you, okay?” she said, feeling her heart race.

“Okay, baby,” he said, and hung up.

By the time she arrived at his building, excitement had her nearly shaking. She took the elevator up, a flutter of nerves and anticipation twisting in her stomach. Tomorrow would change everything, but tonight, she just wanted a moment with him.

And somewhere in the back of her mind, a tiny thought whispered: What if tomorrow isn’t exactly perfect?

Tyrra arrived at the unit and didn’t bother with the doorbell. She punched in the passcode and slowly pushed the door open.

The moment she stepped inside, her heart sank. By the door, a pair of white stilettos caught her eye.

Is she here with someone? Panic twisted in her chest. She took off her own shoes, her mind racing.

Her eyes scanned the living room. Women’s clothes were scattered across the couch, a short white cotton dress and a red blazer. Tyrra froze. She knew that dress. It was the same one Grace had been wearing earlier.

Her gaze flicked back to the stilettos. They were the limited edition pair she had given Grace for her birthday last year.

Why is Grace here? And why didn’t Flavier say anything? Her heart hammered as a cold dread began to creep in.

She tried to calm herself. Maybe Grace had come to talk about the flowers. Maybe a tea spill had forced a quick change. Maybe… maybe it meant nothing.

But as she stepped closer to the room, her excuses fell apart.

Then she heard it, a familiar laugh, floating from behind a half-open door.

“You should have heard her earlier,” Grace said, her voice light and teasing.

Tyrra’s stomach dropped. She heard Flavier’s voice, smooth and happy, carrying words that should have belonged to her.

“I already feel like the most beautiful bride, Sandy. This feels like a fairytale… I’m about to begin my happily ever after.”

Grace laughed again, and something inside Tyrra shattered.

Before she could even move, Flavier’s voice rang out once more, cold and cruel:

“She’s so childish. Silly. The only reason I can stand her… is her inheritance.”

Tyrra’s knees nearly gave out. Her world, the one she had built around love and trust, crumbled in an instant.