Summer’s POV

The crisp autumn breeze at JFK carried the familiar scent of home as I wheeled my luggage through the arrival gates. After a year of managing Fortune Corp’s European division, I couldn’t wait to surprise Alexander. Our third anniversary was coming up, and I’d deliberately finished my assignment two weeks early to celebrate it with him.

God, I’ve missed him so much. My heart fluttered as I checked my phone, half expecting to see a message from him. The screen showed nothing but the usual notifications and a missed call from Victoria. Whatever drama my sister’s cooking up can wait.

The taxi ride to Fortune Corp felt endless. I’d rehearsed this moment countless times during those lonely nights in London – walking into his office, seeing his face light up with that boyish smile I’d fallen in love with. Three years together, and he still made my heart race like a teenager’s.

“Miss Taylor?” The receptionist’s bright voice snapped me out of my daydream. “Welcome back! Are you here for the General Manager’s wedding?”

I froze. “The… what?”

“Oh!” Her smile faltered. “The engagement party, I mean. At The Plaza Hotel? For Mr. Alexander Stark and Miss Victoria Taylor?”

The words hit me like a physical blow. Alexander and… Victoria? My sister?

“There must be some mistake,” I heard myself say, my voice unnaturally calm. “Alexander Stark is my fiancé.”

The receptionist’s face drained of color. “I… um… perhaps you should speak with Mr. Stark directly? He’s at The Plaza Hotel for the engagement ceremony…”

I don’t remember leaving the building. My feet carried me automatically while my mind spun in circles, trying to make sense of what I’d just heard. This is crazy. There has to be an explanation. Victoria would never… Alexander couldn’t possibly…

—

The Plaza Hotel loomed before me, its elegant façade seeming to mock my disheveled state. And there it was – a massive photo display in the lobby. Alexander and Victoria, looking picture-perfect together. His arm around her waist. Her diamond ring catching the light.

This isn’t happening. This can’t be happening.

My legs shook as I made my way to the Grand Ballroom. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses grew louder with each step. Then I saw them.

Alexander had his arm around Victoria’s waist, just like in the photo. She was wearing a stunning white dress, her smile radiant as she leaned into him. They looked… perfect together. Like they belonged.

“Summer!” Alexander’s voice cut through the buzzing in my ears. “You actually came to our engagement party?”

“Your… engagement party?” The words tasted like ash in my mouth. “Are you kidding me right now? Alexander, what the hell is going on? Victoria, how could you do this?”

Victoria’s perfect smile faltered for just a moment before recovering. “Summer, darling, please don’t make a scene…”