Chapter 3

I spotted them before they saw me. Lorian stood behind Jocelyn, looking at her with that soft expression he’d only ever faked with me. Nearby employees couldn’t stop gossiping.

“That’s got to be Mr. Lancelot’s fiancée, right? God, she’s something else! That bag she’s carrying? The new Hermès limited edition—you literally can’t buy it even if you’re loaded.”

“Definitely her. Word is they’ve been together since college. They even bought a freaking private island for their honeymoon! Probably here getting visas for their world tour.”

“Straight out of a romance novel! So jealous. If my boyfriend was half the man Mr. Lancelot is, I’d consider myself set for life…”

I was so lost in my thoughts I barely heard the clerk calling me.

“Miss Lancelot? Miss Lancelot? Your paperwork’s all set.”

His voice caught Lorian’s attention. As I shoved my documents into my bag, Lorian materialized in front of me, panic flashing across his face.

“Sylvia? What are you doing here?”

Jocelyn glided up behind him, threading her arm through his like she’d been doing it forever.

“You must be Lorian’s little sister! Hi there!”

“We’re going to be family soon. So nice to finally meet you.”

My eyes lingered where their bodies touched. I pasted on a smile and nodded mechanically.

“Sister in law.”

“It’s nothing special. Just handling Mom’s visa application—she’s been talking about traveling forever.”

“Don’t let me crash your party. Have fun.”

I turned to leave, but Lorian grabbed my arm, his fingers digging in a little too tight. He rushed to explain: “It’s not what you think. This was all Dad’s idea—you know how obsessed he is with this wedding. He’s making me take her on this trip.”

“He’s also invited Jocelyn for dinner tonight. Just letting you know in advance so there’s no misunderstanding.”

Looking at his anxious face, I almost laughed out loud. Jocelyn had been his girlfriend for years. And their wedding was days away. His revenge plot was practically complete. What was this act still for?

“Chill out, I get it. If it’s what Father wants, you should do it. I won’t make a scene.”

“Go have your fun. I’ll see you at home.”

He visibly relaxed, personally flagging down an Uber to send me home. Then he bounced right back to Jocelyn, and they headed to the bridal shop.