Chapter 3

The Jade Scorpion lounge was dimly lit, all plush velvet and gleaming chrome.

Chloe, on Marcus's arm, was the queen bee, surrounded by her giggling, fawning "friends."

I found a small table in a shadowed corner, nursing a soda.

I watched Marcus.

He ordered Chloe's favorite mocktail – a complicated concoction with elderflower and lychee.

He draped his expensive jacket over her shoulders when she feigned a chill in the air-conditioned room.

Later, he announced to the group, "Chloe's enjoying herself, so drinks are on me tonight."

A chorus of oohs and aahs.

"Marcus, you're spoiling her!" one of Chloe's friends gushed.

He smiled, a proprietary arm around Chloe's waist.

Someone else piped up, "Chloe, you and Marcus are so perfect! When's the big day?"

Chloe blushed, a picture of demure happiness.

Marcus glanced at me, just for a second. My face was carefully neutral.

Then he smiled at Chloe. "Soon. We're already planning."

The conversation flowed around them, a river of flattery and excitement.

Then, someone suggested a party game. "Truth or Dare, but with a 'phone reveal' twist."

I tried to demur, but Chloe, with saccharine insistence, pulled me into the circle. "Oh, come on, Ellie, don't be a spoilsport!"

Marcus lost a round.

The penalty, read out with glee by one of Chloe's friends: "Kiss your partner passionately for one minute."

Marcus didn't hesitate. He turned to Chloe, cupped her face, and kissed her.

Deeply.

The group applauded, catcalling.

I watched, feeling nothing but a mild, distant distaste. The Ellie who would have been gutted by such a sight was long gone.

Then, inevitably, it was my turn to lose.

The penalty: "Show your most recent text conversation."

A ripple of anticipation went through the group.

I took out my phone, my expression calm.

I opened my messages.

The top chat: "My David ❤️" followed by a string of heart emojis.

Someone gasped. "Ellie, you have a 'David'? With hearts? Are you serious with someone?"

I smiled, a genuine, warm smile.

"Yes. We're getting married next month. In Florence. You're all welcome to come if you can make it!"

I put my phone away, my gaze meeting Marcus's.

His eyes were dark, unreadable. A muscle twitched in his jaw.

Later, I excused myself to the restroom.

Marcus was waiting in the hallway when I came out.

He blocked my path.

"What's this about getting married?" His voice was low, intense. "Is this another one of your games, Ellie?"

"It's not a game, Marcus." I kept my voice even. "I came back to visit Mom and Dad's memorial, and to invite you. I'd be honored if you'd walk me down the aisle, as my guardian, to witness my happiness with David."

His face tightened. Anger, disbelief, something else I couldn't name.

"Alright," he said, his voice tight with suppressed emotion. "Call this 'David' right now. I want to hear it from him."

I pulled out my phone. I dialed.

It went to voicemail.

"It's the middle of the night in Florence," I explained. "He's probably asleep."

Marcus scoffed, a harsh, dismissive sound. "Pathetic. Stop with these ridiculous lies, Ellie."

He turned and walked away.

Just then, my phone vibrated. David. Calling back.

He sounded sleepy. "Sorry, Ellie-bean, was asleep. What's up?"

I sighed. Marcus was already gone. "Nothing, honey. Sorry for waking you. Go back to sleep."

"You know you can call me anytime," David said, his voice clearer now, more awake.

"Oh, by the way, I was thinking about that sculpture you designed years ago, the one you called 'Desert Bloom.' The one you always said was for your wedding day. Are you bringing it to Florence? It would be amazing at the ceremony."

'Desert Bloom.'

I'd poured my eighteen-year-old heart into that sculpture.

A heart that had, foolishly, beaten for Marcus.

I hesitated for a fraction of a second.

"Yes," I said. "Okay. I'll bring it."