Chapter 2

Cailin pushed her weight against the heavy glass door of the bridal boutique.

A soft, melodic chime rang above her head, announcing her arrival to the quiet interior.

The scent hit her instantly. It was a thick, expensive blend of vanilla candles and fresh, blooming lilies. It smelled like money. It smelled like a wedding she didn't want.

She stepped onto the plush, pristine white carpet, her wet boots feeling like a violation against the immaculate floor. She had already wiped her boots carefully on the entrance mat, feeling self-conscious the entire time. She shook a few raindrops from the shoulders of her dark trench coat, her eyes scanning the room.

Ms. Lauren Price, the boutique manager, rushed out from behind a curved marble desk. She wore a tailored black suit and a polished, practiced smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Welcome, the future Mrs. Sterling!" Ms. Price greeted, her voice dripping with excessive enthusiasm.

Cailin flinched internally. The title felt like a physical slap across the face. She forced her facial muscles to remain neutral.

She glanced around the lavish, brightly lit showroom. It was massive, lined with hundreds of white gowns, but it was entirely empty of other customers. More importantly, she was looking for the tall, intimidating shadow of the man who owned her.

"Has Mr. Sterling arrived yet?" Cailin asked, her voice tight. Her fingers nervously twisted the strap of her purse.

Ms. Price's smile widened. "Oh, Mr. Sterling finished his tuxedo fitting an hour ago. He has already left for the office. He said he had pressing matters to attend to."

Cailin blinked. She processed the words slowly.

He left.

A massive, undeniable wave of relief washed over her entire body. It was a physical sensation, like a heavy iron vest being unbuckled and dropping from her chest.

Her tense shoulders, which had been locked near her ears since she got in the cab, finally dropped. Her breathing, previously shallow and rapid, slowed to a normal, steady pace.

He wasn't here. He didn't care enough to wait for her. To Kane Sterling, this was just another corporate acquisition. He had signed the papers, fitted his suit, and moved on to the next deal.

"I see," Cailin said, her voice instantly lighter. "I prefer to look at the dresses alone for a moment, if you don't mind."

"Of course, ma'am. Take all the time you need," Ms. Price nodded respectfully, immediately stepping back and retreating to the reception desk.

Cailin walked slowly past the rows of extravagant white gowns. The boutique was silent, save for the soft rustle of silk as she trailed her fingertips over the delicate fabrics.

She walked past the heavy ballgowns dripping in Swarovski crystals. They looked like cages.

She stopped in front of a simple, elegant off-the-shoulder dress. It was made of smooth, unadorned silk. It lacked the excessive diamonds and heavy lace typical of high-society weddings. It was quiet. It was free.

Cailin pulled the wooden hanger out slightly, admiring the minimalist design. The smooth fabric felt cool against her skin.

The boutique door chimed again, a sharp, sudden sound that shattered her concentration.

Cailin turned around quickly, her heart skipping a beat out of pure, conditioned habit.

Sienna Vance burst into the boutique. She was shaking her wet umbrella vigorously, sending droplets of water flying onto the pristine white carpet.

Sienna spotted Cailin standing near the dresses and marched straight toward her, her face twisted in an apologetic grimace.

"I am so sorry," Sienna said, wrapping her arms around Cailin in a tight, crushing hug. "The subway delays were a nightmare. Someone pulled the emergency brake at 42nd street."

Cailin hugged her back, burying her face in Sienna's damp coat. She felt truly grounded for the first time all day. Sienna smelled like rain and cheap coffee, a stark contrast to the suffocating lilies in the room.

Sienna pulled back, her sharp eyes scanning the empty boutique. "Where is the big bad wolf?"

Cailin smiled faintly, a genuine curve of her lips. "He already left. He did his fitting and went back to work."

Sienna rolled her eyes dramatically, crossing her arms. "Of course he did. He buys a wife to save your dad's bankrupt company, and he can't even show an ounce of basic chivalry to wait for you at the dress fitting. Typical Wall Street trash."

Cailin didn't defend him. She grabbed the hanger holding the simple silk dress and gestured toward the back of the store.

"Come on," Cailin said. "Help me put this on."