other ear, leaning back in my studio chair. The scent of old wood and rosin from

e speaker. "We were worried that old arrangement with the Miller family would be a pro

omposing for the wedding. "Chloe is my happiness, Mom.

nging up. I felt a deep sense of peace. Everything was falling into place. My music

plan. I barely glanced at it, but then I saw the number associated with Chloe' s line. The data

in my stomach. It was prob

y. I heard the front door open and her voice, low and urgent. She was

Her voice was strained. "He doesn't suspect a thing. Y

end, the one who moved abroad years ago.

er voice softening with a tenderness I thought was reserved for me. "I'll tell him soon. I ju

a complete demolition of my reality. She wasn't just leaving me, she was planning to marry her ex on the exact day

nal number. It had to be Daniel. She' d been talking to him for month

t just moments ago curdled into a black, hot rage. She was going to make me a fool.

dn't let t

cold, hard resolve settled over me. She wanted a wedding

A pact made between our grandfathers. A forgotten promise. Emily Miller. I barely

ling purpose. I scrolled through my contacts until I fou

s later, a bright, fake smile on her fac

turned from my cello to face her, forcing a smi

cent of her perfume, the one I bought her for our anniversary, filled

entire universe. Now, all I saw was a reflection of my

aid. And in my heart, I me

gan, her expression a careful mask of concern. "I was thinking... with my big

e ending. I saw the flicker of calculation in her eyes, the slight

disappointment. "But everything is booked

ling. "It's just... I want it to be perfect. I don't want

he air between us. "Okay, Chloe. If that'

me tightly. "Oh, thank you for under

t all I could think about was the wedding that would still happen on our origina