Chapter 3

The next morning, I woke to the sound of voices in the hallway.

Victoria's laugh. High-pitched, a little too loud.

I dressed in my cleanest, least-worn clothes. A faded blue dress.

It hung loosely on me.

When I went downstairs, Ethan and Victoria were in the breakfast room.

Sunlight streamed through the large windows.

Victoria was radiant. Diamonds sparkled at her ears and throat.

She wore a white dress that probably cost more than I'd earned in the last year.

She saw me and her smile tightened, just a fraction.

"Ellie! Darling, you made it."

She glided over, air-kissing near my cheek. Her perfume was expensive and cloying.

"Ethan told me you were here to see dear Margaret. So tragic."

Her eyes, a cool blue, scanned me from head to toe.

I saw the pity, the disdain she tried to hide.

"It's good of you to come," she said, her voice dripping with false sympathy.

Ethan watched us, his expression guarded.

"Ellie, you remember my friends, don't you?" Victoria gestured to two other women at the table.

Tiffany and Chloe. Her old clique from college.

The ones who used to make my life a misery with their casual cruelty.

They smirked.

"My, my, Ellie," Tiffany said, her voice sharp. "Long time no see. You're looking... different."

"Thinner," Chloe added, her eyes malicious.

I forced a small smile. "Hello, Tiffany, Chloe."

"Join us for breakfast," Victoria said, a little too brightly.

I sat, feeling their eyes on me.

The conversation flowed around me, mostly about the upcoming engagement party.

Florists, caterers, guest lists.

"We're thinking a winter wonderland theme," Victoria announced, her hand resting possessively on Ethan's arm.

He looked uncomfortable.

I focused on my toast.

"Ellie, you're so quiet," Victoria said, her tone solicitous. "Are you feeling alright? You look a bit pale."

"I'm fine. Just tired from the trip."

"Of course. That dreadful bus." She shuddered delicately.

Ethan cleared his throat. "I need to go to the office. Victoria, I'll see you this evening."

He kissed her cheek, a brief, formal gesture.

He didn't look at me as he left.

Once he was gone, Victoria's demeanor changed.

The fake sweetness vanished.

"So, Ellie," she said, her voice hardening. "What are your plans? After Margaret... well, you know."

"I haven't thought that far ahead."

"I'm sure Ethan will make some... arrangement for you. Out of respect for his grandmother."

The implication was clear. I was a charity case.

"Don't get any ideas about staying long-term. Ethan is with me. We're getting married."

She held up her left hand. A massive diamond engagement ring glittered.

"It's the Nolan family heirloom," Tiffany cooed. "That sapphire necklace Margaret always wears? That will be Victoria's next."

My stomach churned. Margaret's sapphire. It was legendary.

Victoria smiled, a cold, triumphant smile.

"Some people are just lucky, I guess. And some... aren't."

Her eyes met mine. There was no mistaking her meaning.