Chapter 2

The harsh fluorescent lights of the bridal boutique reflected off the mirror. I folded the heavy train section by section and handed it back to the assistant.

The assistant hurried after me with a measuring tape, smiling. "Miss Vance, do we still need to take another half-inch off the waist? Mr. Sterling said everything has to be absolutely perfect."

I looked at the white tulle in her hands, my voice flat. "No need. Cancel the order. Give this dress to the next customer."

The assistant froze, chasing me down with the contract. "Miss Vance, if you cancel now, the fitting fees and the deposit cannot be refunded."

I pulled my card from my designer bag and pressed the pen down. "Deduct whatever you need to. Just don't contact Julian Sterling again, and don't call my parents."

When I walked out of the store, the afternoon sun was so blinding it made my eyes water. On my phone, the wedding planner was still messaging me about the color palette of the flower wall.

I leaned against the sidewalk railing, systematically canceling the hotel block, the florist, the makeup artist, and the limo service. The cancellation fees drained five thousand dollars from my account instantly.

The wedding planner sounded incredibly hesitant. "Miss Vance, does Mr. Sterling know about this? He just called this morning to change the bride's nameplates to Miss Evans. He said it was just a joke..."

Staring at the transaction success screen, I said softly, "He likes to play games. Let him plan the rest himself."

My mother’s call cut in. In the background, I could hear the loud laughter of her country club friends. She lowered her voice, but couldn't hide her smug excitement:

"Stella! Julian’s assistant just delivered a trunk of designer perfumes and limited-edition bags. Everyone here is talking about how lucky you are."

"He also promised you the biggest wedding in the city. Stop being so stubborn. Men have to socialize. Just swallow your pride and it’ll pass."

I asked her, "Mom, what if the name on the invitation isn't mine?"

My mother paused, her voice instantly turning cold and sharp. "Don't talk nonsense. A man like Julian willing to marry you is a miracle for our family. Don't make a scene over nothing and embarrass both families."

I let out a soft laugh. "I get it. Enjoy the bags, Mom."

After hanging up, I dialed Julian. The moment the call connected, Melody's soft, giggling voice drifted into my ear first.

Someone in the background cheered, "Julian, Stella is checking up on you! Coax her quick, or the bride might actually run away."