Chapter 2

My best friend Chloe picks up on it right away."Aurora,did you and Caleb have a fight?"

"No,"I pause.I decide to tell her everything.

She is a top business lawyer.

Maybe she can help me.

She listens to the whole story.

A long silence follows.

Finally,she says softly:

"Don't worry.I will find the truth."

hat night,we slept side by side like strangers.I lay awake in the dark,listening to him breathe.In the morning,Caleb woke up and pulled me into his arms.

"Baby,today you're supposed to be the most beautiful bride in the world."

I pull away and glance at the abstract painting on the wall—part of his collection.

I can't help but ask,"When will you paint a portrait of me?"

He rubs his morning stubble against my cheek.

His voice is lazy,teasing.

"Baby,I told you.I'm an athlete.Zero artistic talent.

I only know how to appreciate art."

My chest tightens.

In that interview,Sienna proudly showed a sketchbook—

a gift from her lover.

Every single page was a sketch of her,

from quiet college libraries to crowded locker room hallways.

My voice comes out tight."My dad is sick.We have to postpone the wedding."

I met Caleb at a charity gala.

Even then,he was already a league superstar.

Now that I think about it...

Did he take every single exclusive interview just to be near her?

Then why did he ever choose me?