Chapter 2

Chris’s face registered disbelief; his brows furrowed as Stephanie’s words sank in. He stared, stunned by her coldness. Cancel the wedding? Was she crazy? His mind raced, but her icy indifference silenced his thoughts. His voice faltered as he attempted an explanation. “She’s sick. Once she recovers, she’ll leave, and we’ll have a bigger wedding.”

Stephanie’s lips curled. “Is she sick, or is she pregnant?” The question hung heavy in the air. Chris’s eyes darkened. “What do you know?”

Stephanie leaned back, her tone cool. “You and she were so open about being at the hospital, in the gynecology department.” A mocking smile played on her lips. “Now you’re talking about a bigger wedding? Don’t you think that’s ironic?”

They were to marry in a week. The thought, coupled with everything else, shattered something within Stephanie. He’d impregnated another woman, and here he was discussing their wedding. Was he playing both sides? Her eyes hardened, her resolve unshakeable.

Chris’s face darkened further; his voice became hushed, desperate. “She’s not pregnant. She’s sick.”

Stephanie’s gaze remained unwavering, icy. “Sick? And you’re the one taking her to the hospital? Am I missing something?” Her question hung sharp and unforgiving. Chris’s fingers traced the desk’s edge.

Stephanie couldn’t bear to look at him. She rose and moved toward the door. Her voice, cold and dripping with mockery, followed her. “Now that she’s here, she might as well stay. After all, she still has a debt to settle here in Long Harbor, and I’m sure it’ll take a long time.”

Two years of calm affection crumbled instantly. Chris had severed ties with Olivia, but now Stephanie was doing the same, tearing apart what little remained. Cold resolve filled her heart; she wouldn’t look back. Relationships required effort from both sides; there was no point in one person shouldering the entire burden. Her heart ached with disappointment and fierce anger.

Chris’s voice hardened, laced with warning. “Don’t make things difficult for her!”

Stephanie’s hand rested on the doorknob, her expression unreadable. Chris gritted his teeth, his voice a growl. “You sure you want to cancel the wedding? Do you really think the Hart family would bail you out?”

The Hart family. The mention of them chilled Stephanie to the bone. They were people who couldn’t distinguish friend from foe. She’d long known they weren’t her safety net, but it didn’t matter. They were her bloodline, but also where Olivia had grown up.

Years ago, Olivia’s birth mother, a maid for the Harts, had been pregnant concurrently with Mrs. Hart. Unable to provide for her child due to her gambling husband, she’d switched babies at the hospital. Heartless, she’d discarded the infant Stephanie and continued working for the Harts, watching her biological daughter live a privileged life. Three years ago, Mrs. Hart’s car accident revealed the truth. A search for the true heiress ensued, eventually finding Stephanie. Throughout the process, the Harts favored Olivia. If Stephanie called off the engagement, she would be alone, the Harts rejecting her.

Chris stepped forward, grabbing her wrist. “Once she’s better, I’ll send her away, alright?” His voice softened, attempting to calm her.

Stephanie, her eyes cold, slowly withdrew her hand. “Stefi…” Chris inhaled sharply, his face darkening.

Stephanie said nothing more. She turned and walked out, her high heels echoing in the hallway. Chris, usually admired, felt furious; he couldn’t believe Stephanie would cancel their wedding. Everyone had witnessed her commitment over the past two years. He didn't chase her, instead slamming the door shut.

Whispers rippled through the secretarial department. Two years prior, gossip about Stephanie and Chris had caused a stir. People had assumed Stephanie was trying to steal Chris from Olivia. Now Olivia’s return had everyone anticipating drama.

One employee whispered to another, “Miss Hart was practically ignored, but then Olivia comes back.” Another scoffed, “Exactly. Two years ago, Miss Hart was practically ignored, but then Olivia comes back.”

Overhearing them, Stephanie paused. She approached them, her sharp click-clack echoing. The women fell silent, eyes wide with fear. Stephanie gripped one woman’s chin, tilting her head back. The secretary was stunning. The moment their eyes met, the woman froze, visibly shaken by Stephanie’s intensity.

“Miss… Miss Giovanni,” she stammered.

Stephanie’s eyes narrowed. “Enjoying my gossip that much?”

The woman’s face paled. “No… no, I didn’t—”

Stephanie released her with a look of contempt. Her icy gaze swept across the department. Everyone lowered their heads.