Chapter 2

The next day, I didn't go to pick out wedding rings.

Alexander's assistant Lucas sent me a message.

"Talia, Alexander went to get the ring. He asked me to postpone the dress fitting to next week."

"He has something going on?"

"Yeah, said he needs to pick up a friend from the airport."

Besides Ingrid, he had no friends who required him to personally pick them up.

That afternoon, Alexander came home and placed a velvet box on the table.

"Got the ring. Try it on and see if it fits."

I opened the box. A plain band, no diamonds, the most basic style.

"Which store did you buy this from?"

"Online." He poured himself a glass of water.

"Store prices are too inflated. No point getting ripped off. Plus you do housework—wearing a diamond ring wouldn't be convenient anyway."

I opened another paper bag he'd brought back. Inside was a cashmere scarf from a luxury brand.

Deep space gray, incredibly soft to the touch.

"Did you buy this online too?" I asked.

He walked over, took the scarf from my hands, and stuffed it back in the bag.

"That's for Ingrid. She just got back from Paris where it's cold. I picked it up at duty-free."

"One scarf. Twenty-three thousand dollars." I looked at the receipt.

Alexander frowned, growing impatient.

I said nothing more and put the plain band on my finger.

It was too big, hanging loose and awkward on my ring finger.

"It's too big."

He glanced at it.

"Bigger is better. When you get pregnant later your fingers will swell—it'll fit perfectly then. Just make do."

For four years, I'd been making do.

That evening, Alexander's college group chat posted an announcement.

"Welcome back party for Ingrid tonight! Same place, everyone come!"

Alexander stood in front of the closet picking out a shirt. "Let's go together tonight. You should meet everyone."

"I'm not going."

"You're my fiancée. It would look bad if you didn't come."

I changed clothes and followed him out.

At the private room, everyone had already arrived.

Ingrid sat next to the head of the table, wearing that twenty-three-thousand-dollar cashmere scarf around her neck.

"Alexander, Talia, you're here!"

Ingrid waved with a smile. Alexander naturally walked over and sat beside her.

I sat on Alexander's other side.

The server brought over the menu.

Alexander took it and ordered directly.

"Pan-seared steak, medium-well. Grilled sea bass, no cilantro."

Ingrid rested her chin in her hand, smiling at him.

"Alexander, you still remember I don't eat cilantro."

"We've known each other almost ten years. How could I forget?"

Someone teased, "Alexander's memory is entirely devoted to Ingrid."

The server asked, "Would you like any dessert? Our almond pudding is a specialty."

"Add one. Talia likes it." Alexander closed the menu.

I looked at him. "I'm allergic to almonds."

The room fell silent instantly.

The smile on Alexander's face froze.

"When did you become allergic?"

"Four years ago. I ate it once and broke out in hives all over. You were editing photos at the time and told me to go to the hospital and get medicine myself."

His grip on his glass tightened. "It's been too long. I forgot."

Ingrid quickly poured a glass of warm water and pushed it toward me.

"Talia, don't be mad at Alexander. His head is full of work—how could he remember these little life details?"

"Did he not remember, or did he not care to remember?"

Alexander slammed his glass heavily on the table.

"Talia, do you have to embarrass me in front of everyone?"

He turned to call the server.

"Cancel the soup. Get something she can actually have."

Ingrid sighed softly.

"Talia, are you still upset about those Iceland photos? You two are about to get married—don't let me come between you."

Someone nearby couldn't stand it anymore.

"Talia, Alexander was just there for work. You're being way too controlling."

"Exactly. Marriage is a long road. If you're going to check up on him and get jealous every day, who could stand that?"

Alexander sat there without saying a word.

Letting everyone criticize me.

He never shielded me from any attacks, because he thought I deserved it.

I stood up. "I'm going to the restroom."