Chapter 1

A week before our engagement party, my boyfriend Blake Sterling told me our ceremony would be postponed for another month.

"Emma's having her first solo performance at Carnegie Hall that day," he explained, his tone dismissive. "It's a huge milestone for her career and I can't miss it. Besides, we're getting engaged anyway. What difference does a few weeks make?"

This was the third time he had postponed our engagement for Emma's sake.

The first time, Emma was studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London when she fell ill. She called Blake in tears, saying she felt alone and scared.

The second time, Emma impulsively decided to go on a "soul-searching" trip through Europe. Blake, worried sick, dropped everything to follow her.

And now, this was the third time.

I set down my phone and turned to look at my childhood friend and Boston's most eligible bachelor, Marcus Blackwood. "Need a fiancée?"

On what should have been my engagement day, Blake was tenderly embracing Emma at her post-concert reception when the news broke across social media - Marcus Blackwood's surprise engagement to me. As he watched the live coverage, his eyes turned red with anger.

Marcus studied me carefully. "Are you sure about this, Claire? Can you really let go of Blake?"

I spread my hands helplessly. "I gave him enough chances. This is the third time he's canceled our engagement for the same woman. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something. Even the warmest heart can't thaw a frozen one, right?"

Marcus smiled, a glint of determination in his eyes. "If you're sure, then I want to do this properly. The Blackwood name carries certain expectations, and I want everyone to know exactly who I'm marrying."

I looked at him, trying to read deeper into his heart. What I saw was unwavering resolve. Finding courage I didn't know I had, I answered, "Alright."

I went home and began packing my belongings. When Blake returned and saw my suitcase, he sneered, "Running away again? Claire Bennett, aren't you tired of this childish routine? You've pulled this stunt every time we've had a disagreement for the past four years."

"It's just a postponement!" His voice rose with irritation.

"Pushing back the ceremony a few weeks doesn't mean I don't want to marry you!" He looked ready to slam the door and storm out.

I replied calmly, "I'm not running away. I'm just organizing my things." Though in my heart, I knew this time I was leaving for good.

Blake loosened his tie and carelessly ordered, "Well, since you're cleaning up, get the guest room ready too. Emma mentioned this place is closer to the concert hall, so she'll be staying here for a while."

I pushed my packed suitcase to the corner and answered without looking up, "Alright. I'll have Marie prepare the guest room tomorrow."

My easy compliance seemed to surprise Blake. His tone softened slightly. "Look, I know you're upset. Here's what we'll do - tomorrow, go to Tiffany's and pick out whatever jewelry set you want. It's my gift to you. I've been swamped lately with Emma back in town. Her penthouse hasn't been lived in for ages, so I've been helping her get it ready."

He added, "Just focus on the engagement preparations for now. Once Emma's concert is over, I'll make it up to you. Okay?"

The weight on my chest felt like a boulder, but I managed to say, "No need to come with me. I have plenty to keep me busy. I'm just sorting through some things and doing some organizing."

Blake didn't question why I suddenly wanted to clean a house I'd just moved into. Instead, he looked relieved. "Oh right - last time she visited, Emma mentioned she didn't like you using the sunroom as your art studio. She wants to practice there. So you're finally moving all your stuff out?"

Taking a deep breath, I replied, "Yes, I've thought it through. The sunroom will be hers starting tomorrow." Silently, I added, so will you.

The next day, Emma returned to Boston. I hadn't even gotten out of bed when photos of her and Blake's airport reunion went viral online. Their "heartwarming embrace" quickly became the top trending topic.

Chapter 2

Social media exploded with trending hashtags:

#ChildhoodSweethearts,

#PowerCouple,

and #LoveAtFirstNote.

Headlines gushed about "The Virtuoso and Her First Love" and "When Music Meets Romance."

As I scrolled through the endless stream of posts, my phone buzzed. It was Marcus. His steady voice asked, "Want me to have my PR team handle those trending posts?"

I managed a smile. "No need. That chapter of my life is closed. Why waste money on something that doesn't matter anymore?"

He chuckled. "Fair enough. Let's save it for something better. How about trying on engagement outfits today? The ones I had flown in from Paris should have arrived."

Just yesterday we'd decided to get engaged, and this morning, the outfits were already here. I was speechless, touched by his efficiency.

During my engagement preparations with Blake, I'd handled everything alone. His only contributions had been impatient complaints. He never once considered how exhausted I might be.

Now Marcus was showing me how a real fiancé should act.

The couture gown Marcus had ordered fit me perfectly. The designer, flown in from Paris, smiled warmly.

"Mr. Blackwood was quite insistent that I come personally to ensure the perfect fit. He wanted any adjustments done immediately. I was under tremendous pressure, but seeing you now, I understand his perfectionism. He really loves you."

"He's also commissioned me to design your wedding gown," she continued. "I'll need your measurements, and I've brought some preliminary sketches. Which style speaks to you?"

My cheeks flushed pink as Marcus stood nearby, wearing an enigmatic smile.

After a full day of fittings and selecting jewelry, I returned home exhausted. I had barely sat down when my phone rang. It was Blake.

The moment I answered, he barked, "Where are you? Why aren't you here yet? Do you enjoy keeping everyone waiting?"

Confused, I asked, "Where am I supposed to be?"

Blake's voice dripped with derision. "Playing dumb now, Claire? I texted you hours ago. Emma's back in town, and we're having a welcome dinner. She specifically asked for you to come. Get here now. I've sent you the location."

I checked my phone and found an unread message from him. Below the restaurant's address was a voice note from Emma: "Claire, it's been forever! Come hang out with us. Don't tell me you're still bothered by my relationship with Blake?"

Then Blake had grabbed her phone, adding, "Claire, if you don't show up, I'm keeping that Monet sketch I promised you."

My resolve crumbled. Blake had photographed a rare Monet sketch I'd long coveted, promising to give it to me. Now he was using it as leverage. I sighed and got up. Fine. A few more days of dealing with this manipulation wouldn't kill me.

When I arrived at the upscale restaurant, they were already deep into the wine. Emma and Blake sat at the head of the table, looking like they'd stepped out of a society magazine.

Emma immediately stood up, her voice dripping with manufactured warmth. "Claire, you made it! Sit here!" She started to move aside to make room.

Blake grabbed her hand. "She can sit anywhere. You stay here. You're the guest of honor tonight."

Emma gave me an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Claire. Blake's had a bit too much wine. Don't mind him."

I calmly took a random seat. "It's fine. The seating doesn't matter. Besides, Blake's right. This is your night."

Their friends began their usual routine. "We were just talking about Blake picking you up at the airport. You two look incredible together. That viral photo? Pure magic. Like something out of a romance movie."

"You two belong together. Breaking up before was such a waste. Now that Emma's back to establish her career here, you can pick up where you two left off."

Chapter 3

Blake shot me a sidelong glance, his voice glacial. "Let's not get carried away. Emma's destined for Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center."

His dismissive words cut deeper than any knife. He hadn't bothered to deny their perfect match, nor acknowledge me - his actual fiancée. Instead, he'd defaulted to his favorite excuse: her musical career.

The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. How had I been so blind? I'd wasted years loving a man whose heart belonged in someone else's hands.

Emma nibbled her lower lip, feigning concern as she turned to me. "Oh Claire, don't listen to all this silly gossip. They're just teasing." She reached for her Hermès bag. "Here, I picked up a little something for you in Paris. I hope you'll like it!"

She presented me with a Cartier box. Inside lay a pair of aquamarine earrings that made my blood run cold.

My eyes darted to the matching necklace gracing her throat, and suddenly everything clicked into place.

That wasn't just any jewelry set. It had been custom-designed by Blake to match my tastes exactly. The necklace was meant to symbolize his commitment to our engagement. I remembered the jeweler mentioning they'd used the remaining stones for a pair of matching earrings - a thoughtful touch for the future bride.

Now here I sat, being handed those "leftover" earrings while my engagement necklace adorned Emma's neck.

A bitter laugh escaped before I could stop it.

Blake's social circle, who'd never approved of me, seized the opportunity. One of them smirked under his breath, "Look at her, treating table scraps like treasure."

Across the room, someone gushed, "Emma, that necklace is absolutely divine!"

Emma's fingers traced the central stone with practiced delicacy. She cast a demure glance at Blake. "Just a welcome home gift from Blake. He promised something even more spectacular after my concert debut."

Drawing a measured breath, I said, "Interesting choice, Blake. That aquamarine suite, unless I'm mistaken, was cut from the Sterling family heirloom. Six months in the making, wasn't it? Traditionally reserved for the future Sterling bride." My voice remained steady. "You must feel very strongly about Emma."

Blake shifted uncomfortably while conversation around the table died. The implications hung heavy in the air.

The heirloom necklace meant for the future Mrs. Sterling - me, Blake's fiancée - now graced Emma's neck. She'd proudly announced it was a gift. The message couldn't have been clearer.

Emma jumped to her feet, awkwardly fumbling with the clasp. Her perfectly manicured hands trembled as she lowered her head. "Oh God, Claire, I had no idea this was meant for you. I never should have... How could I be so thoughtless?"

As she spoke, tears spilled down her cheeks. Her shaking fingers tangled in her hair as she struggled with the necklace. She yanked at her hair in frustration, voice breaking. "Blake, please help me take it off."

Blake's expression darkened. He caught her hands gently. "Emma, stop. I gave it to you. It's yours. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty about wearing it."

Then he turned on me, eyes flashing. "It's just a piece of jewelry, Claire. I didn't realize the Bennett family's eldest daughter could be so petty. Making a scene over a necklace? Really?"

"That stone belongs to the Sterling family - my family," he continued coldly. "I decide who gets it. Since we're not married yet, you have no claim to it. And frankly, it suits Emma better."

His voice turned harsh. "I agreed to marry you - isn't that enough? Does it matter if I give jewelry to someone else? The position of Mrs. Sterling is still yours. What more do you want?"

Emma dabbed at her eyes, a small smile playing at her lips. "Really? My concert gown happens to be cerulean blue. This will match perfectly. Thank you, Blake. You always know exactly what I need."

I rose from my seat, suddenly feeling very calm. "No need to get defensive. I was simply admiring the depth of your feelings for Emma. There's no need to overreact."

With deliberate movements, I slid the jewelry box back toward Emma. "These earrings were cut from the same Sterling heirloom. Since they're part of the set, you should have them too. It would be a shame to break up such a perfect match."