Chapter 2

2.

Our presence caught the attention of the couple on the stage.

"Chloe?"

The man's relaxed expression instantly tightened into a frown.

"What's going on? Didn't you say you were working late tonight? What are you doing here?"

The absurd scene in front of me made me want to scream, but I forced myself to remain professional, even as a fire of betrayal burned in my chest.

The woman beside him, Vanessa, covered her mouth, her eyes instantly turning red. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have... I should just go. I've been too much trouble today."

But Elias grabbed her arm to stop her.

He whispered a few comforting words in her ear, then walked over to me, his voice low. "Why are you panicking? I knew you'd overthink this. You always overreact."

"Vanessa is a friend from college. Her fiancé works in investment banking and got stuck at Heathrow. He couldn't fly back. I'm about the same build as him, so she asked me to stand in."

My face hardened as I studied their expressions. I looked at him, then at her.

"She wanted you to stand in for her fiancé. With your college friend."

It wasn't a question. It was a statement of fact.

The woman behind him stepped forward, dressed in a couture lace wedding gown, tears glistening in her eyes, her face a mask of guilt. "I'm so sorry, I didn't know you two were together. When I asked, Elias told me you were a very independent and understanding person, so I thought... I'm truly so sorry."

She lowered her head slightly, her hands clasped, her body trembling.

I watched the performance without a word.

Perfect.

"Independent and understanding."

What sane woman would be "understanding" enough to lend her boyfriend to another woman for a wedding rehearsal?