Chapter 1

The air in Napa was warm, thick with the smell of grapes.

Our bachelorette weekend was at a vineyard estate, sprawling and quiet.

My wedding to Ethan was tomorrow night.

A small, private dinner for just us tonight. He was on his way.

I was supposed to be excited. I was.

Until I picked up Chloe's tablet.

It was on the poolside lounger, screen dark. She was always careless.

I thought it was mine for a second. They looked alike.

I just wanted to check the time.

My phone was charging inside.

I pressed the side button. It lit up. No password.

A private blog. Encrypted, she probably thought.

But it was open. Her latest entry.

"Ava's Wedding Eve – The Final Act."

My breath caught.

I scrolled up.

Entry after entry.

Chloe, my friend. My bridesmaid.

Her words were poison.

"That idiot Ava, so trusting, so rich, so undeserving."

"Ethan will be mine. He already practically worships me. He sees me, not her."

"Derek is wrapped around my little finger. He'd kill for me. His mother helps."

My stepmother. Of course.

"Liam, the charity case. He thinks I'm an angel. He'd do anything I ask. Useful."

Plans.

Schemes.

How she'd make a scene at the rehearsal dinner.

How she'd play the victim.

How Ethan would comfort her.

How she'd fed Derek lies about me being cruel to her for years.

How she'd made Liam believe I looked down on him, that I was the real bully.

My stomach twisted.

This wasn't Chloe.

Not the sweet, slightly clumsy Chloe I knew.

The Chloe who always needed my help.

The Chloe I'd shared secrets with.

Or was this the only real Chloe?

The screen showed dates, times, details.

Contempt for me dripped from every word.

Her plan to ruin my wedding.

Her intention to have Ethan for herself.

My phone buzzed on the table inside the villa. I'd heard it faintly.

Then Chloe's tablet in my hand vibrated.

A text message notification popped up on her screen. From Ethan.

"Almost at the estate, Chloe. Is Ava ready? Hope you're feeling okay after our chat earlier. You seemed a little down."

My blood ran cold.

Their chat earlier?

He was supposed to be meeting me.

His concern was for her.