Chapter 36
Elaine’s POV
How time flies when you don’t want it to.
Today is my engagement day.
The thought hits me the second I open my eyes. Settled in my chest like something I swallowed and never digested.
I lie there for a few seconds, staring at the ceiling, listening to the soft hum of the house waking up around me. Distant footsteps. A door opening. Someone running water.
Normal sounds for a day that doesn’t feel normal at all.
I sit up slowly, careful. The dizziness has been coming and going more lately, and I don’t feel like starting the morning on the floor. Once the room steadies, I swing my legs off the bed and stand.
Still upright. Good.
There’s a knock on the door before I can even take two steps.
“Elaine?” Ivy’s voice.
“Yeah,” I call. “I’m up p>
She doesn’t wait. The door opens and she slips inside like she’s been holding her breath outside.
“Okay,” she says, clapping her hands once. “No panicking. No disappearing p>
I arch a brow. “You say that like it’s an option p>
She smiles, then falters just a little when she looks at my face. “Did you sleep p>
“A bit p>
She lets it go. Smart girl.
Behind her, the housekeeper follows quietly, carrying a garment bag like it contains something fragile.
“Breakfast will be ready in fifteen minutes,” she says gently. “You should eat something p>
“I will,” I lie.
She doesn’t argue. She just nods and sets the bag down carefully.
Ivy zips it open like she’s opening a gift. “You’re going to look insane,” she says. “In a good way p>
“I don’t need insane p>
“You’re getting it anyway p>
The dress is clean. It’s the kind of dress that knows exactly what it’s doing. Ivy helped pick it, after refusing to let Zane’s people have the final say. That small rebellion still makes me smile.
I shower first. Let the water run hot until my skin pinks and my thoughts slow down. I stay in there longer than necessary
When I come out, Ivy is already laying things out. Shoes. Jewelry. Hairpins.
She looks at me through the mirror while she works. “You still sure p>
I don’t answer right away.
“I’m sure,” I say finally. “Enough p>
She nods like that’s all she needs. Or all she’s willing to accept.
Getting dressed takes longer than it should. Not because it’s complicated, but because everyone keeps stopping. Adjusting something. Asking if I’m okay.
I sit while my hair is pinned back, hands folded in my lap. Calm on the outside. Counting my breaths on the inside.
Noah knocks once before pushing the door open.
He stops short when he sees me.
“Wow,” he says quietly.
“Don’t,” I warn.
“I mean it,” he adds. “You look… stunning p>
I huff. “That’s a new compliment p>
“It’s a good one p>
He steps closer, crouches slightly so he’s eye level with me. “If you want me to pull the fire alarm, fake a heart attack, punch him, say the word.
I smile despite myself. “Punching him would be very on brand for yo”
“Still an option p>
“I’ll survive today,” I say. “Promise p>
His eyes search my face like he’s trying to read something I’m not saying. Then he straightens.
“Alright,” he says. “But I’m right there. Always p>
The house feels fuller as the hour approaches. Voices. Movement. Tension woven into everything. It takes us hours to get ready.
When it’s time, Ivy links her arm through mine.
“You ready?” she asks.
“No,” I say. “But let’s go p>
The drive is quiet. Lucas grips the steering wheel like he’s holding something back.
The venue comes into view and my stomach tightens. White stone. Tall doors. Too many people already waiting.
“Remember,” Ivy says softly, squeezing my hand. “You don’t owe anyone anything except showing up p>
I nod.
The car stops.
Lucas opens the door for me and offers his arm. I take it.
As I step out, the noise hits. Cameras. Murmurs. Faces turning.
And then I see him.
Zane is already there.
Waiting.
Dressed sharp. Composed. Like this day belongs to him.
His eyes meet mine across the space.
And for just a second, something unreadable passes through his expression.
Then his mouth curves into that familiar, controlled smile.
The kind that says he planned this.
I lift my chin and walk forward anyway.
Because running was never an option.
Not today.