The rain was tapping a soft, rhythmic beat against the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of Valerie Sterling’s penthouse but inside, the only sound was the energetic clatter of her fingers flying across her keyboard.
At thirty-two, Valerie was striking, a woman who carried herself with the effortless authority of someone who had built an architectural empire from the ground up. Her long, dark mahogany hair was loosely pinned back, framing a sharp jawline, high cheekbones, and warm hazel eyes currently hyper-focused on the 3D rendering of a luxury commercial complex. She wore a structured charcoal-grey crepe romper fitted impeccably at the waist. Her wrist adorned with a vintage Cartier tank watch and on her left ring finger sat a glittering diamond band, a symbol of the life she believed she was locking in before her upcoming 33rd birthday.
A pair of warm hands settled gently over her shoulders, kneading the tension in her muscles.
Valerie leaned back into the touch, a soft sigh escaping her lips as Lucas Mercer bent down and pressed a smooth, lingering kiss against the side of her neck.
Lucas was undeniably handsome, the kind of classic, polished look that belonged on the cover of a luxury lifestyle magazine. He had dirty blonde hair styled to effortless perfection, sharp blue eyes, and a broad, athletic frame usually outfitted in crisp custom suits. He smelled expensive, wearing a heavy sandalwood cologne Valerie had bought him for his last birthday.
"You're working too hard, sweetheart," Lucas murmured against her skin, his hands sliding down to rest lightly on her arms. "It’s our wedding week. Can’t the blueprints wait for at least one afternoon?"
Valerie smiled, saving her file before turning in her ergonomic chair to look up at him. She reached up, adjusting the lapel of his charcoal blazer. "When you're competing to build the iconic structures of this city, Lucas, the blueprints never wait. But yes, I'm wrapping up now." She glanced at her watch. "Don't forget, our final dress and tuxedo fittings are at three this afternoon at L'Aurore Bridal. You haven't forgotten, right?"
Lucas flashed a dazzling, practiced smile, tapping the tip of her nose. "Of course I haven't. I'd never miss seeing my bride-to-be. But I've got a couple of hours to kill before then, so I'm heading out to grab a quick drink and hang out with the boys. I'll meet you right at the boutique at three sharp."
"All right. Don't be late," she teased gently.
"Never for you," he whispered, pressing another quick kiss to her lips before turning and heading toward the foyer.
As the heavy oak front door clicked shut behind Lucas, the quiet room was broken by the sound of quick, deliberate heels clicking across the marble floor.
Victoria Hayes stepped into the open-plan living room, pulling a designer leather handbag over her shoulder. Victoria was Valerie’s twenty-six-year-old half-sister, a delicate, fair-skinned beauty with soft blonde curls, innocent round brown eyes and a perpetual pout that usually got her whatever she wanted. Unlike Valerie’s tailored, powerful aesthetic, Victoria preferred soft pastels, floral silk dresses, and an aura of fragile elegance. She was currently staying in Valerie’s guest suite under the guise of "helping with the wedding preparations," but Valerie was certain it was for Instagram aesthetics.
"Was that Lucas?" Victoria asked, her voice sweet as honey as she paused near the entrance, adjusting her pearl earrings.
"Yeah, he just left to meet his friends before the three o'clock fitting," Valerie replied, standing up to stretch her legs. "Are you coming with me to the boutique, Vic? I could really use your eyes on the lace train."
Victoria’s eyes flickered with a brief, unreadable flash of hesitation before she quickly smoothed her expression into a apologetic smile. She glanced down at her phone as if checking an urgent notification.
"Oh, Val, I am so sorry!" Victoria gasped softly, pressing a hand to her chest. "I completely forgot…I scheduled a last minute appointment with my facialist. You know how my skin breaks out in rainy weather and I want to look perfect as your maid of honor! I have to run right this second or I'll lose my slot."
Before Valerie could even respond, Victoria was already grabbing her umbrella from the stand.
"I'm so sorry, sweetie! I'll see you later tonight for dinner, okay?" Victoria offered a bright, hasty wave and slipped out the door, her perfume lingering in the air, a sweet, powdery rose fragrance that felt oddly suffocating in the quiet penthouse.
Valerie stood alone in her spacious living room, looking at the empty doorway. A strange, fleeting knot tightened in her stomach but she brushed it off as pre-wedding jitters.
Valerie busied herself with work and a few hours later, she reached for her phone and dialed her closest friend and trusted project manager, Maya.
"Hey, Valerie," Maya answered on the second ring, the sound of papers shuffling in the background. "Tell me you're not calling to ask about the site permits. I told you, you're off the clock until after the honeymoon!"
Valerie laughed, the tight knot in her chest loosening. "No, no permits. Lucas went to see his friends and Victoria just sprinted out the door for a skin appointment. I’m heading to L'Aurore for the final fitting alone by 3pm and I refuse to let the seamstress evaluate my dress without a second opinion. Are you free?"
"Say less," Maya replied instantly. "I am leaving the studio right now. Meet you outside the boutique in thirty minutes!"
