Chapter 1,
Chapter 1
As our wedding date approached, James, Matteo’s oldest friend from boarding school, insisted on throwing him a bachelor party.
Met older
In our social circle, Matteo’s devotion to me was legendary. When I wasn’t around, he’d unfailingly head home early, his friends‘ protests falling on deaf ears. It was just who he was unapologetically
committed.
–
Perhaps that’s why they made a point of including me this time. But from the moment I stepped into the private room of that upscale restaurant, something felt off. The warmth in everyone’s greetings couldn’t mask their meaningful glances at Matteo.
I was still trying to decode the atmosphere when she walked in.
She arrived fashionably late – tall, graceful, with an effortlessly chic bob cut that probably cost more than my monthly rent.
“Traffic was absolute murder!” Her voice carried that particular blend of confidence and charm that comes from old money and elite education.
I felt Matteo freeze beside me. In that moment, I witnessed something I’d never seen before – the exact instant someone’s world tilts on its axis.
She extended her hand with practiced elegance. “You must be the bride–to–be! I’m Sage Morrison.”
The name hit me with the force of revelation. Everything crystallized.
This was her – the girl who’d dominated five years of Matteo’s life at Yale. Back then, he’d been different – more reckless, more passionate. The stories were legendary: midnight serenades beneath her dorm window, grand romantic gestures that made the university paper. He’d turned their love story into campus folklore.
Until three years ago, when she chose to follow her new boyfriend to Oxford for graduate studies.
I met Matteo in the aftermath. At a charity gala, through the soft glow of vintage chandeliers, he appeared like a figure from a classic novel. Two glasses of champagne had left me light–headed, or maybe it was just him. My friends practically shoved me in his direction, and I managed to make a complete fool of myself.
“I’m Aurora Pierce… and you are?”
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Chapter 1
The ensuing laughter might have been mortifying if not for the way his perpetual seriousness melted into genuine amusement.
What followed were three years of pure devotion. He memorized every detail about me – from my coffee order to my obscure childhood fears. He’d wait up for me during late nights at the firm, surprise me with thoughtful gestures that showed he actually listened. He introduced me to his world with pride, never hesitating to show us off.
His friends would joke about it: “Talk about divine timing, Aurora. Matteo learned all his romantic skills the hard way, and you get to enjoy the masterclass.”
Those comments never stung because everyone noted how different Sage and I were. I wasn’t filling anyone’s shoes – I was walking my own path.
Besides, Matteo’s love felt real, tangible. After three years, his proposal seemed like the natural next step in our story.
I thought we were writing our own perfect ending.
Then reality decided to rewrite the script.
