Chapter 2
Vivienne had not wanted to attend the wedding.
She told Dominic that three times.
First, softly, while folding baby clothes.
Then carefully, while packing the hospital bag.
Finally, honestly, while standing in front of the mirror, trying to fit her swollen feet into formal shoes.
“Your mother hates me,” she said. “Chloe wants a scene. I can feel it.”
Dominic adjusted his cufflinks without looking at her.
“It’s my sister’s wedding.”
“That doesn’t answer me.”
“It’s one night.”
Vivienne looked at him through the mirror.
“It’s never one night with them.”
He sighed as if she were already exhausting him.
“My family is under pressure. Chloe’s ring is worth more than most houses. Mom is stressed. Don’t take everything personally.”
Vivienne touched her stomach.
The baby shifted beneath her palm.
She wanted to stay home.
She wanted quiet.
She wanted a husband who saw danger before it became public humiliation.
Instead, Dominic brought her to the ballroom and disappeared into his family’s orbit within minutes.
Chloe hugged everyone except Vivienne.
Eleanor kissed both of Vivienne’s cheeks with dry lips and whispered, “Try not to draw attention to yourself tonight.”
Vivienne almost laughed.
Eight months pregnant in a pale-blue gown, sitting alone at the Cole family table, she was already attention they did not want.
Still, she behaved.
She complimented the flowers.
Declined champagne.
Smiled when strangers asked when she was due.
Then Chloe screamed that her ring was missing.
And somehow, before anyone checked a bathroom, a bridal suite, a jewelry tray, or the hands of fifty guests, every eye turned toward Vivienne.
That was when she understood.
This was not panic.
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It was selection.
Read the full story 👉 Vivienne knew the wedding would turn cruel, but she did not realize she had been chosen as the family’s scapegoat.
