Chapter 2

The ballroom glowed under dazzling lights.

I gathered up my dress and walked to the entrance, waiting for the emcee to begin.

Beside me, Reid looked down and adjusted his cufflinks.

"Does your hand still hurt?" he asked casually.

"Not anymore." I kept my eyes forward.

Mom sat front and center in the first row.

She wore a burgundy knit cap to cover her head after losing her hair to chemo. Her face was sallow, but she was smiling brightly.

She was chatting with the relative beside her and pointing toward the stage.

I could guess what she was saying.

Probably something like, "Cora's finally getting her happy ending."

Reid followed my gaze and gave a small nod.

"Your mom seems to be in good spirits today.

"After the party, I'll arrange for a specialist to give her a full evaluation."

He was always like this.

He'd hurt me, then offer just enough kindness at the right moment to soften the blow.

In the past, that small gesture had always been enough to make me forgive him for putting Mallory first.

Now, I was simply tired.

"No need. Her doctor said they're sticking with supportive treatment for now."

I turned him down calmly.

Reid glanced at me, seemingly surprised by my cold response.

But he said nothing. He simply offered me his arm.

"Come on. It's time to go in."

I slipped my arm through his.

As the music began, the ballroom doors slowly opened.

A spotlight fell on us.

I kept a polished smile on my face as we made our way toward the stage.

As we passed the head table, I saw Mallory sitting there.

That seat had been reserved for my best friend.

Instead, Mallory sat there with a glass of red wine, watching me with a faint, knowing smile.

Her gaze dropped to the loose plain band on my ring finger.

A smug glint flashed in her eyes.

Once we were seated, the servers began bringing out the food.

I'd chosen the menu myself.

Dessert was supposed to be Reid's favorite, Black Forest cake.

Instead, the server brought out mango mousse.

I paused.

Reid casually took the plate and set it in front of Mallory.

"Your favorite."

Mallory gave him a shy smile and took a bite.

"Thanks, Reid. You remembered."

Then Reid picked up another plate and set it in front of me.

"Have something sweet. It'll put you in a better mood."

I stared at the golden mango mousse in front of me.

My stomach turned.

Reid and I had been together for five years.

He remembered that Mallory loved mangoes, yet he'd forgotten that I was severely allergic to them.

One bite could leave me covered in hives or even send me into anaphylactic shock.

I didn't touch the spoon.

"Why aren't you eating?"

Reid frowned.

"Don't you like it?

"Mal had the kitchen switch the dessert because she thought mango was a better fit for the occasion."

I looked at his matter-of-fact expression.

"I'm not hungry."

I pushed the plate away.

Reid looked annoyed.

"Cora, what's gotten into you today?

"Mal went out of her way to change the menu for you. Can't you at least appreciate the gesture?"

I looked up at him.

"Reid, I'm allergic to mangoes."

His expression froze.

A flash of panic crossed his eyes, but he quickly covered it up.

"I... forgot."

He cleared his throat awkwardly and reached over to take the plate away.

"You forgot. It's fine," I said flatly.

Mom looked between us, concern in her eyes.

"Cora, what's wrong? Did you and Reid have a fight?"

I turned to her with a smile.

"No, Mom. The dessert's just too rich. I don't feel like eating it."

She relaxed and gently patted my hand.

"That's good. Today's your big day. I just want you two to be happy."

I nodded.

Just then, the microphone onstage came to life.

The emcee's upbeat voice filled the ballroom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's invite the happy couple up for the ceremonial ring exchange!"