Chapter 3
3
Three days before the anniversary gala, I went with my best friend, Maya Brooks, to The Astoria Grand, claiming we were scouting wedding venues for her.
The Celestial Ballroom was buzzing with crew.
In the center of the stage sat two high-backed chairs. The lighting, the red carpet, the massive screens—everything was deliberately designed in pairs.
Like a coronation prepared for a couple.
"What company drops this kind of cash?" Maya muttered.
"BrightVance," I said.
A woman walked in through the side doors.
Champagne heels, a cream-colored skirt suit, her long hair pinned up loosely. She was holding a tablet, confirming the setup.
Vanessa Cole.
She was younger and brighter in person than in the photos.
Meanwhile, after having Poppy, I had stretch marks across my stomach, fine lines at the corners of my eyes, and dark circles I had to bury under concealer.
"Push the stage wash up," Vanessa called out to the crew. "Mr. Vance wants every shot flawless."
She turned, her eyes landing on Maya and me.
"Can I help you?"
"Looking at the space for a wedding," Maya said.
"Ah, bad timing, I'm afraid. We've bought out the floor." Vanessa offered a polite smile. "I can recommend some other ballrooms if you'd like."
I looked at her.
"It's beautiful in here. Your husband put a lot of thought into this."
Her smile faltered for a fraction of a second.
"It's Mr. Vance's vision," she corrected. "I just execute it."
"Is Mr. Vance single?" I asked casually. "A setup like this, with a dual stage... I just assumed he was doing this for his wife."
The air went quiet.
Vanessa stared at me, a flicker of calculation and caution crossing her eyes.
"I make it a point not to comment on his personal life."
She pivoted back to the staff.
"I'm going to confirm the tasting menu. Keep working."
The click of her heels faded away.
Maya grabbed my sleeve.
"Nora, did you say that on purpose?"
"Just confirming something."
Before the elevator doors slid shut, I looked back one last time.
Vanessa was standing dead center on the stage, the starlight hitting her.
She lifted her chin and looked right at me through the narrowing gap of the doors.
She smiled.
The smile of a victor.
I looked away.
Soon, she'll realize she isn't standing on a stage.
But a collapsing floor.
Dominic came home early that night.
He looked on edge, barely speaking during dinner.
"Trouble at the office?" I asked, ladling soup for him.
"Minor issues. Handled."
"That's good." I slid the bowl across the table. "Oh, by the way, I stopped by The Astoria Grand today."
His hand stopped.
"What were you doing there?"
"Looking at wedding venues with Maya," I said evenly. "Saw them setting up the Celestial Ballroom. Two thrones on the main stage. Very interesting."
"It's just the event planner's staging," he said. "Don't read into it."
"I'm not." I smiled. "I was just thinking we could use some of their ideas when you throw me an anniversary party after the IPO."
His face relaxed, and he reached out to squeeze my hand.
"Once we go public, I'll give you the best."
I squeezed back.
His palm was warm, but my fingertips were ice.
"By the way, I was cleaning the study today and saw some old photos on your laptop. Looked like a retreat. There was this one girl who looked familiar... has she been to our house?"
Dominic's grip tightened abruptly.
"Which girl?"
"Long hair, big eyes. Seemed really capable. Vanessa, I think?"
Silence.
A long, suffocating silence.
Then, he released my hand, forcing his tone back to normal.
"Vanessa from Operations. She's capable. Why ask about her?"
"No reason. Just thought she was pretty."
I picked up my bowl and turned my back to him.
"It gives me peace of mind, knowing you have someone so competent taking care of things."
I walked to the kitchen and turned on the faucet, letting the water drown out my racing heart.
Dominic slept heavily that night.
I pinned the brooch to the inside lapel of the black coat I would wear tomorrow.