Lucas read the first line, and the color vanished from his face. The ballroom fell silent as he stared at the paper. Diane demanded that he read it aloud. His voice trembled. “The wedding is canceled. Every contract was mine, and I have ended them all. You asked me never to call you my future husband. I agree. Please read the second page.” Suddenly, every investor at the surrounding tables was listening.

Lucas turned the page with shaking hands, but Nina grabbed it first. She scanned the words, then dropped heavily into her chair. Diane pressed her napkin against her lips. Before Lucas could demand an explanation, the tinted door upstairs opened. I stepped onto the balcony beside my father. Everyone looked up. Lucas’s expression changed when he recognized him. My father rested his hands on the railing. “Lucas,” he said calmly, “we need to discuss tomorrow’s board vote.”

Click continue reading below