Chapter 3

“Always the generous one, Grant.” I laughed. “That sapphire came from an auction his parents won ten years ago. It cost a fortune.”

“That stone was meant for their future daughter-in-law. Clearly, Grant’s serious about you, Vivian.”

The room instantly went silent. After all, I was still the woman Grant was supposed to get engaged to.

Vivian’s face crumpled. Her eyes welled up as she reached for the tiara. “Sorry, Nadia. I know I don’t deserve something so expensive. I’ll give it back to you.”

She pulled it off so fast that it caught her hair. A few tears slipped down her cheeks.

Grant grabbed her hand, annoyed. “I don’t take back gifts. It’s yours. Keep it.”

“I’d like to see anyone try to say otherwise.”

He turned on me, irritated. “Nadia, why are you being so petty?”

“Acting like my wife before we’re even married? Show me some respect.”

I stood up with a cold smile. “I was just making conversation. I never said it was mine. Why are you so upset?”

Vivian looked at me, troubled. “Nadia, I really love this tiara. Can I borrow it for my concert? I’ll return it after.”

One of Grant’s friends, who had been supporting them earlier, spoke up. “Nadia, can’t you be more generous? You’re about to be a Whitmore.

“Vivian just wants to borrow it for one night. Why be so stingy?”

“You’re ruining the whole dinner.”

I pushed back my chair. “I’m leaving. Enjoy your dinner.”

Grant’s face darkened. He slammed the table and stood up. “Nadia, what’s with the attitude?”

“You’re going to be my wife! Can’t you act like it?”

“Apologize to Vivian right now!”

I almost laughed. “We’re not even engaged yet. What’s there to talk about?”

“Sorry, find someone else to be your wife.”

Grant’s expression shifted. He grabbed my hand. “What do you mean? You’re calling off the engagement over this? Nadia, don’t you have any commitment?”

I pulled my hand free and played Adrian’s voice message. “Nadia, lilies or roses for the engagement?”

“Lilies,” I said. “They’ll go better with the dress.”

“What engagement dress?” Grant followed me and grabbed my arm. “Nadia, did you order an engagement dress behind my back?”

“Are you that desperate to marry me? How shameless can you be?”

I scoffed. “Get this straight. I’m the one getting engaged, not you.”

“Isn’t your engagement the same as mine? Everyone knows you’ve been dreaming of marrying me.”

My face went cold. “Grant, has anyone ever taught you how to respect people?”

Suddenly, the door slammed open, and a deep voice said, “Mr. Whitmore, please let go of my fiancee.”