Chapter 2

2.

When Eleanor, matriarch of the Van Court family, learned I was marrying Harrison, she was stunned.

But Harrison was her most beloved youngest son. After the accident that had left him immobilized for years, she approved the match on the spot―and threw in a massive additional wedding budget.

"Harrison apparently covered the difference himself," my mother whispered to me. I looked over the revised list and nodded. I told her everything was fine.

The wedding preparations were in full swing when an unexpected visitor appeared at my door.

It was Blake.

He stood there in a sharply pressed navy custom suit, not a hair out of place. His eyes were full of smug satisfaction. Trailing behind him was Sophia.

I knew. He still thought I hadn't found the altered invitation.

When I ignored him, he didn't seem to mind. He picked up the half-drunk espresso on my desk and downed it in one swallow.

"All the wedding stuff ready?"

"Yes."

My flat tone flickered something unreadable across his face. But he feigned nonchalance.

"Everything checked? Guest list, seating chart... the invitations? It is your big day, after all. Want to go through them one more time?"

I pretended I didn't catch his hint.

"If there's nothing else, I have work to do."

A shadow of irritation crossed Blake's face. He pressed his lips together.

"That's not why I'm here. Years ago, I gave you my grandmother's sapphire ring. That ring was meant for my future wife. Since you haven't officially married into the family yet... shouldn't you return it?"

I froze.

I was twenty-three when I received that ring.

It was a perfect, sun-drenched afternoon. Blake had shown up at my door, mysterious and eager. The moment he saw me, he slid the ring onto my finger.

It was a vintage Cartier sapphire. The deep blue center stone caught the afternoon light, glowing with a dark, quiet fire. It was clearly worth a fortune.

I tried to take it off immediately. He grabbed my wrist and held it tight.

"This has been passed down through our family for generations. It's meant for the future mistress of the Van Court house. Keep it."

Sunlight dappled his shoulders. His smile was brighter than the light.

I later found out Eleanor had torn into him when she discovered he'd taken the ring without permission.

Blake had been utterly unrepentant. "I'm going to marry Stella. The ring will be hers eventually."

In the blink of an eye, I had worn that ring for seven years.

It had become like Blake himself. Slowly woven into my life. Making me believe it was a real promise.

My silence must have looked like reluctance.

He opened his mouth, but Sophia cut in first. She looped her arm through his, her voice soft as silk.

"Maybe we should drop it. Stella's worn it so long. She's probably attached."

Blake immediately bristled. "Doesn't matter how long. It's a Van Court heirloom. I said I'd put it on your finger, and I will."

So that was it. He was here on Sophia's behalf.

Understanding settled in. I slid the ring off with clean efficiency and held it out.

"Here."

Blake blinked. He clearly hadn't expected me to be so decisive. A flicker of suspicion and unease crossed his face.

I shrugged, indifferent. "You're right. It belongs to the Van Court family. I shouldn't be wearing it."

Now Blake looked like he didn't know what to do with his hands. He took the ring, stiff and awkward.

"On the day we officially marry, I'll put it back on you myself."

At those words, a flash of jealousy cut through Sophia's eyes.

Blake was stuffing the ring into Sophia's palm, about to leave. I spoke up.

"Blake. Since the ring's been returned... what about the custom dog tag I gave you?"

He stopped in his tracks. He turned back, incredulous.

"You want me to give it back? Stella, what the hell is that supposed to mean?"