Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Social media exploded with trending hashtags:
#ChildhoodSweethearts,
#PowerCouple,
and #LoveAtFirstNote.
Headlines gushed about “The Virtuoso and Her First Love” and “When Music Meets Romance.”
As I scrolled through the endless stream of posts, my phone buzzed. It was Marcus. His steady voice asked, “Want me to have my PR team handle those trending posts?”
I managed a smile. “No need. That chapter of my life is closed. Why waste money on something that doesn’t matter anymore?”
He chuckled. “Fair enough. Let’s save it for something better. How about trying on engagement outfits today? The ones I had flown in from Paris should have arrived.”
Just yesterday we’d decided to get engaged, and this morning, the outfits were already here. I was speechless, touched by his efficiency.
During my engagement preparations with Blake, I’d handled everything alone. His only contributions had been impatient complaints. He never once considered how exhausted I might be.
Now Marcus was showing me how a real fiancé should act.
The couture gown Marcus had ordered fit me perfectly. The designer, flown in from Paris, smiled warmly.
“Mr. Blackwood was quite insistent that I come personally to ensure the perfect fit. He wanted any adjustments. done immediately. I was under tremendous pressure, but seeing you now, I understand his perfectionism. He really loves you.”
“He’s also commissioned me to design your wedding gown,” she continued. “I’ll need your measurements, and I’ve brought some preliminary sketches. Which style speaks to you?”
My checks flushed pink as Marcus stood nearby, wearing an enigmatic smile.
After a full day of fittings and selecting jewelry, I returned home exhausted. I had barely sat down when my phone rang. It was Blake.
The moment I answered, he barked, “Where are you? Why aren’t you here yet? Do you enjoy keeping everyone waiting?”
Confused, I asked, “Where am I supposed to be?”
Chapter 2
Blake’s voice dripped with derision. “Playing dumb now, Claire? I texted you hours ago. Emma’s back in town, and we’re having a welcome dinner. She specifically asked for you to come. Get here now. I’ve sent you the location.”
I checked my phone and found an unread message from him. Below the restaurant’s address was a voice note from Emma: “Claire, it’s been forever! Come hang out with us. Don’t tell me you’re still bothered by my relationship with
Blake?”
Then Blake had grabbed her phone, adding, “Claire, if you don’t show up, I’m keeping that Monet sketch 1 promised
you.”
My resolve crumbled. Blake had photographed a rare Monet sketch I’d long coveted, promising to give it to me. Now he was using it as leverage. I sighed and got up. Fine. A few more days of dealing with this manipulation wouldn’t
kill me.
When I arrived at the upscale restaurant, they were already deep into the wine. Emma and Blake sat at the head of the table, looking like they’d stepped out of a society magazine.
Emma immediately stood up, her voice dripping with manufactured warmth. “Claire, you made it! Sit here!” She started to move aside to make room.
Blake grabbed her hand. “She can sit anywhere. You stay here. You’re the guest of honor tonight.”
Emma gave me an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, Claire. Blake’s had a bit too much wine. Don’t mind him.”
I calmly took a random seat. “It’s fine. The seating doesn’t matter. Besides, Blake’s right. This is your night.”
Their friends began their usual routine. “We were just talking about Blake picking you up at the airport. You two look incredible together. That viral photo? Pure magic. Like something out of a romance movie.”
“You two belong together. Breaking up before was such a waste. Now that Emma’s back to establish her career here, you can pick up where you two left off.”
