This might very well be the biggest act of my life. Convincing everyone in this room, including myself, that Knox Vale has found his perfect match.
The irony tastes bitter on my tongue, as sharp as the champagne I haven’t touched.
James Morrison, a longtime family friend, raises his glass with a knowing smile. “Congratulations on your engagement, Knox. About time you settled down.”
“Hear, hear,” echoes Victoria Ashford, her diamond bracelet catching the light as she gestures. “We were beginning to think you’d stay a bachelor forever.”
The chorus of agreement ripples through our circle, warm and genuine, at least on the surface. These people have watched me grow up in the spotlight of New York society, witnessed my carefully curated public persona evolve from promising heir to accomplished businessman. To them, this engagement is the natural next step in a life that’s unfolded exactly as it should.
“I can’t wait for you to meet her,” Dad interjects, his voice carrying that particular note of satisfaction that comes from a deal well-executed. “Isla is a wonderful girl and the perfect fit for Knox. They’re a solid match made in heaven.”
He’s never met Isla, but his delivery is so convincing, even I almost believe him.
“When is she getting here?” Victoria asks.
“Any minute now. She’ll be arriving with her family.”
Although I would’ve preferred her to arrive with Sheila, who’s already here, I allowed Isla to get ready with her family. I hope that wasn’t a mistake, especially with everyone gathered. Even Levi and Locke, who are always late, managed to show up on time.
“Did I hear congratulations being offered?” Louise glides up to us with her usual elegance. In her midnight-blue gown, mystepmother looks every inch my father’s counterpart. “I hope I’m not late.”
“Not at all,” I reply.
She smiles and sets her hands on my shoulders. “Congratulations, Knox. Your father and I couldn’t be more pleased.” She means it, even though she knows about the arrangement.
Louise has always wished me well. She’s aware of how cruel my mother was, and over the years, she’s gone above and beyond to show she cares because of it.
“Knox!” My sister, Adeline, cuts in before I can answer. She rushes up and throws her arms around me.
She’s always excited to see me. I’m the same with her. She’s the only person who ever gets to see the softer parts of me.
“Hey, Red.” I smile, taking in her auburn hair swept into an intricate updo that shows off the emerald necklace at her throat.
“I’m excited to meet your fiancée, but I have to tell you about Harvard.”
“Don’t let her talk your ears off,” Louise chides.
“It’s fine. I want to hear what happened.”
Adeline’s just returned from a writer’s retreat—something they host for students joining their journalism program in the fall.
“It was amazing, and I got a place with the college paper. Can you believe it?” Her bright green eyes beam with life, and for a moment, she reminds me of how I used to be. She has the parts of me that haven’t yet been sanded down by expectation.
“That’s fantastic.” I give her a nod of approval, though her achievement doesn’t surprise me. She’s a clever girl.
The low hum of conversation shifts, rippling through the room.
There’s a soft gasp here. A curious glance there.
I follow the eyes.
At first, I spot Isla’s mother, her aunt, and her cousin Mia entering through the grand double doors. All three are elegantly dressed, perfectly in step with the Astoria’s opulence.
Then I seeher.
My bride-to-be.
And my stomach drops.
