Chapter 2

Braxton's voice came through lazy. "Cielo. What is it now?"

I watched the traffic. "Betting on the name on my wedding invitation. Was it fun?"

His end went quiet for a beat. Then glass clinked. He sounded like he was smiling. "The invitations haven't been printed yet. I'll change it back tomorrow. Kinsley just got back. Everyone was messing around."

I said, "So my dignity is just your currency to please her?"

Braxton snorted. Impatient. "Cielo. I'm marrying *you*. Kinsley is just—part of my past. Can you let it go already? You're so insecure right now. It's not a good look."

Kinsley's voice drifted in, soft and careful. "Braxton, don't fight with Cielo because of me. I'll delete the photos, okay?"

Braxton's voice softened instantly. "This isn't about you. She's just been off lately."

I looked down. Kinsley's social feed updated again. Two movie tickets. Next to them, Braxton's hand resting on a steering wheel.

That watch.

I bought it working two extra jobs on top of the animal rescue. Six months of late nights.

Her caption read: *For all the days ahead. Thankful you've always got me.*

When Braxton spoke to me again, the patience was gone. "Cielo. Stop killing the mood. Grow up a little, yeah?"

The call cut.

I stood at the intersection. Opened our shared album. Three years of photos. Deleted with one tap.

My phone buzzed again. Braxton's assistant. "Mister Braxton asked me to let you know he hopes you can calm down. The florist will deliver flowers to your apartment. There's a card inside."

I typed back. "Don't bother."

Blocked the assistant's number.

Braxton called from his office line within minutes. His voice cold and clipped. "Cielo. My patience has limits. Stop playing this blocking game. It's immature."

I laughed. No reply.

I went back to my apartment that night. Started packing.

Boxes stacked against the wall. I tossed my shelter ID badge in without thinking.

Braxton told me once, "After we're married, you'll need more time for the family." I'd turned in my resignation to the shelter director last week.

Ridiculous.

I bent down to grab packing tape. Braxton's video call popped up.

I answered.

Warm lighting. Shelves of luxury pet products. Kinsley stood next to him with a Ragdoll cat in her arms. Braxton held a bag of imported cat food. His brow creased. "Why didn't you accept the flowers?"

I ripped the tape. "Didn't need them."

Braxton's voice went cold. "Cielo, do you know how much the cancellation penalties are? You think your income covers that? Don't screw yourself over just to prove a point."

Kinsley leaned toward the camera. Her eyes glistening on cue. "Cielo, are you mad at Braxton because of me trying on that dress yesterday?"

I looked at the cat in her arms. Said quietly, "There's discharge in its ears. Maybe put down the camera and get it checked."

Kinsley's face stiffened.

Braxton blocked the lens immediately. "Can you stop talking to people like they're your rescue animals?"

My hand stopped on the tape.

He used to love watching me treat wounds. Said I glowed when I was focused.

Kinsley bit her lip. "It's all my fault. I have health problems. Wearing a wedding dress was just a little dream of mine. I'll delete the photos right now."

Braxton's arm went around her shoulder. His voice dropped. Gentle. "Delete nothing. You did nothing wrong."

He turned back to me. Cold again. "Cielo, look how considerate Kinsley is. Now look at you. Every little thing is a battle. You're exhausting."

I closed the box. "You two are perfect for each other."

Braxton paused like he didn't understand. Two seconds of silence. Then he laughed. "Fine. Keep performing. I'll have my assistant reprint the invitations tomorrow."