Prologue
Chanel
I looked down over the hotel roof’s ledge. “Fifteen...fourteen...thirteen…” I counted down from the roof level I was currently standing on. Behind me, I could hear the laughter and music from inside the sliding glass door. I doubted anyone had missed me yet as I stared down at the fourteen-karat diamond ring that, with each passing day, felt more like a noose around my neck. With my other hand, I began twirling the ring around my finger, as I continued counting each level down.
Yup, exactly fifteen floors down.
I glanced back over my shoulder just in time to see my father pat Ethan on his shoulder, surely, welcoming him into the fold. I swallowed deeply, refusing to let out the shuddering breath that would’ve undoubtedly led to a sob. What should’ve been one of the happiest occasions of my life felt instead like just another night in a long string of nights in my life where I was left on the outside looking in, silently begging for the affection of the man who’d helped create me.I should’ve learned long ago that wasn’t about to happen, I thought, turning back to glance up at the night sky. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. Moments like this is when I needed my best friend, Gabby, but she wasn’t taking my phone calls.
With good reason.
“I guess congratulations are in order.”
Despite my doleful mood, a shiver ran down my spine as that voice, which always sounded like it was dipped in something hard yet sweet, reached my ears. Turning, I observed Xavier in his navy blue tailored suit that looked like home against his rich chestnut skin. The dimple on his left cheek peeked out teasingly as he gave me a half-grin.
“Th-thank you,” I tried desperately to sound like I meant it.
“I know I’m a little late, but I wanted to personally congratulate the woman of the hour. You’re going to make a beautiful bride.”
Spinning on my six-inch stilettos to fully face him, I eyed him suspiciously. It only took a second to conclude he was sincere. “Thank you, Xavier. That means a lot,” I stated, taking a glance over his shoulder to the engagement party that was supposedly held in my honor. My fiancé, father, and now brother were continuing to chum it up. I cut my eyes back to glare at the man in front of me.
“Shouldn’t you be in there with them?” I jutted my head to the room behind him.
He pivoted to look over his shoulder, before turning his dark brown eyes back on me. Slowly his eyes trailed up my body, taking in my perfectly manicured toes in these strappy heels and navy blue strapless jumpsuit that hugged every single one of my curves like a glove. I’d decided to go simple on the jewelry, wearing a string of pearls that had belonged to my mother and a matching bracelet that was a gift. My natural hair had been put into a high puff, leaving a few tendrils of curls falling. He observed me as if looking for the answer to a question only I knew. I steeled my face, not wanting to give away any of what had just been on my mind.
“Nah, I’m good here.” He inclined his head toward me, stepping closer. “How’s D.C.? You still studying for the bar?” he asked.
I exhaled, relieved he hadn’t picked up on my sour mood. “D.C. is...hectic. And yep, the exam is exactly one month and two weeks away,” I informed him, surprised he even knew I was studying to take the test.
He brought his glass of champagne to his lips, and I had to avert my gaze. “First law school graduation, then the bar exam, and in three months, a wedding. You’re a busy woman.”
“Too busy,” I mumbled.
“What was that?” he asked, eyebrow raised in curiosity.
“Nothing. How’s the rest—?”
“Chanel!”
My entire body stiffened at the inflection in Ethan’s voice. I swallowed what I’d been about to say to Xavier, and looked over his shoulder to see my fiancé stepping out of the sliding glass door, giving me a too familiar look. My heartbeat doubled, and I unwittingly took a step back, wanting to put as much space between Xavier and me as possible.
“Ethan, you remember Xavier, Jason’s friend.”
Ethan glared at the back of Xavier’s head before turning dark eyes on me. I had to force myself not to visibly shrink as he stalked toward me, wrapping an arm around my waist.
Xavier took another sip of his champagne, giving Ethan the once-over, but his face remained neutral. “I was giving Chanel my congratulations.”
Ethan looked down at me. “Is that right? Well, thanks, man. We’re very excited to make this thing official,” he remarked, and pressed a kiss to my cheek.
I gave him a stiff smile.
“I’m sure, but I was referring to her recent graduation. Georgetown Law ain’t no joke. You should be proud of yourself.” He turned smiling eyes on me.
Reluctantly, I remained silent, my eyes looking anywhere but at Xavier, although the compliment made me want to stand a little taller. At leastsomebodywas happy for me.
“Yeah, my baby is smart. But her law degree won’t do nothing but sit on the shelf in our bedroom once we’re married,” Ethan stated, firmly. “My wife won’t be working.”
The pit in my stomach grew at hearing those words. Not a question of whether or not Iwantedto work. I swallowed down any rebuttal I could’ve mustered as I felt Xavier’s look of surprise on me. I knew what he was thinking. We were just discussing my studying for the bar exam. Why would I need to study if I was going to be Ethan’s stay-at-home wife? Good question. One I hadn’t been able to answer, so I remained silent, plastering what I hoped was a convincing smile on my face, as I felt Ethan looking down at me.
