Chapter 3

"I'm ready," I said, meeting Raymond's eyes. "The old me died the day I found out about Adeline and Owen."

Raymond patted my shoulder. "Then I'll help you."

After leaving the cafe, I drove to an electronics store on the west side of town. The owner, Miles Farrow, had been a year behind me in college and owed me a favor.

"Got what you asked for."

He handed me a black velvet box. Inside was a rose-gold tie clip set with tiny diamonds.

"4K video, eight-hour battery life, and wireless transmission straight to your phone."

Miles lowered his voice.

"There's also this."

He handed me a pen.

"Press the side to start recording. It's almost impossible to notice. On the day of the gala, I'll be nearby to help receive the signal remotely."

"Thanks." I put everything away. "I'll send you the money."

"Quentin." His expression turned complicated. "Be careful."

I smiled. "Don't worry. I'm not the one who should be worried."

That night, Adeline came home at 2 a.m., reeking of alcohol. I helped her into bed, wiped her face, and took off her shoes.

Half-asleep, she grabbed my hand and muttered, "Honey… You're the best..."

"Get some sleep." I gently pulled my hand free and tucked the blanket around her.

As I turned away, I heard her mumble in her sleep.

"Owen... Stop..."

I switched off the light and closed the bedroom door behind me.

In the darkness, I pulled out my phone.

Owen had posted a new update on social media.

In the photo, he was wearing a Rolex and holding a glass of red wine. Behind him, the dazzling ceiling of the Starlight Ballroom at the Grand Monarch Hotel glowed overhead.

The caption read, [Some moments are worth waiting for. Three days to go.]

Using Adeline's old phone, I tapped Like.

A minute later, Owen sent a private message.

[Ms. Hemsley? Why'd you like that post? Didn't we agree not to make anything public yet?]

I mimicked her texting style.

[Couldn't help it. I miss you.]

He sent over a shy emoji immediately.

[I miss you, too. I got my suit fitted today. It looks amazing. Are you really going to announce it that day?]

[Of course. You deserve the best.]

-

Three days before the gala, I went to the Grand Monarch Hotel under the pretense of helping a friend scout wedding venues.

The ballroom was still being set up.

At the center of the stage sat two ornate gold-backed chairs decorated with intricate floral carvings.

A double seat of honor.

"This setup is incredible," my friend, Finn Ashby, said. "What company drops this much money on a party?"

"I wonder the same thing," I said quietly.

A man entered through the side door in black dress shoes, a charcoal-gray suit, and neatly trimmed hair. He stood with a tablet in his hand, calmly going over final details with the staff.

It was Owen.

He looked even younger in person than he did in the photos, tall and confident, with the kind of presence that naturally drew attention.

As for me, years of putting my family first had caught up with me. Somewhere along the way, I had gained weight and developed a belly.

So this was what Adeline meant when she said I couldn't compare to him.

"Turn the lights up another 30%," Owen said, his voice clear and confident. "Ms. Hemsley wants every camera shot to be crystal clear that night."

The staff member nodded immediately. "Of course, Mr. Wakefield."

Finn leaned closer and lowered his voice. "Who's that? Guy's got quite a presence."

I didn't answer.

Owen turned and let his gaze sweep across the room.

When it landed on us, he paused briefly before offering a polished professional smile.

"And you two are?"

"We're here looking at wedding venues," Finn said. "Are you setting up for a company event?"

"That's right. It's our company's tenth-anniversary celebration."

Owen walked over, his eyes lingering on my face for a fraction of a second longer than necessary.

"And you are?"

"Thompson."

"Mr. Thompson." He nodded. "This ballroom works beautifully for weddings, but we've reserved the entire space. If you'd like, I can recommend a few other ballrooms."

"No need, thank you." I smiled. "It's a beautiful setup. Your wife clearly put a lot of thought into it."

Owen's smile faltered.