A Child's Truth and a Father's Decree

VANESSA

The engagement party preparations were suffocating me. Everywhere I turned, there was someone asking about flowers or guest lists or seating arrangements. My family had taken over completely, treating my upcoming marriage to Wesley Sterling like a royal coronation rather than a union between two people.

Two people who didn't even feel like a couple.

I slipped away from the dining room where my mother and aunt were arguing over centerpieces. My head throbbed with tension, and my skin felt too tight, like I was wearing someone else's body.

"Has anyone seen Bianca?" I asked a passing maid, who shook her head quickly.

"No, Miss Vanessa. Not since this morning."

I frowned. Bianca had promised to meet me hours ago, claiming she had something important to tell me. It wasn't like her to disappear, especially not now with the Summit approaching.