billion book
Chapter 470
Chapter 0470 Chapter 0470 Hannah
The diamond on my finger caught the light, sending a dozen tiny fractals glimmering across my skin. I tilted my hand this way and that, admiring the ring that I hadn't worn or even seen in ages.
Wearing my old engagement ring like this felt... surreal. I couldn't seem to decide whether it made me excited or a little sick to my stomach. Maybe both-because on one hand, it was a reminder of our past life, which was fraught with broken hearts and bad memories. But on the other hand, it felt like a promise, just like this house. An opportunity to fill those little fractals of light with newer, happier memories.
Ultimately, though, it didn't matter. Because the ring was just a prop, as was everything else tonight.
Noah joined me in the dining room doorway, his green eyes scanning the space. Everything had to look perfect for tonight. A beautiful trap, bedecked with "Congratulations on your engagement!" banners and colorful streamers and plump balloons.
"I can buy you a new engagement ring, you know," Noah murmured, nudging me with his elbow. "In fact, I plan on it."
My cheeks heated, but I shook my head and lowered my hand. "Let's not worry about fancy rocks tonight. We have other things to worry about."
Noah nodded, and together we looked over the elaborate lie that we'd concocted. Servants bustled around, arranging the table with decadent food and fancy place settings that were really just recycled from the baby shower.
"People are gonna be so pissed when they find out what tonight is really for," I mused with a wry chuckle. And I don't think the fancy cake and party favors are going to make up for it."
Noah sighed and rubbed his hand down the back of his neck as he glanced at the side table against the wall. It was piled high with little gift baggies, each one containing a miniature bottle of champagne, some expensive chocolates, and a little card that read "So sorry for lying to you!" on the inside.
"They'll understand," he finally said after a few moments. "They have to."
I sucked in a sharp breath. I hoped he was right. And I hoped that tonight would be worth the fuss. Because if Marcus didn't fall for our trap like we planned...
Before I could express my concerns, the doorbell suddenly rang.
"That'll be our first guests," Noah said, turning to me, with a grin. "Remember, Hannah. We're happily-engaged tonight."
It didn't take much effort to plaster a grin of my own on my face. While Noah went to open the door, I turned toward the hallway mirror and adjusted my outfit one last time. I wore a warm, baby pink turtleneck tucked into a flowy black skirt, strappy heels, and a delicate silver necklace ringing my throat- to match the engagement ring, of course.
I'd taken extra care with my hair and makeup as well, opting for a curled updo and soft pink eyeshadow. Everything about my appearance screamed 'woman who just got engaged to the love of her life for the
second time', even down to my freshly-manicured nails.
And I really was happy, even if we were just pretending tonight. It's easy to pretend when the thing you're pretending about is what your heart truly wants.
"Hannaaaah!" a familiar voice called out. I turned away from the mirror, beaming, to see Amber rushing toward me with a gift bag slung over her arm and a wide smile on her face. Before I could even greet her, she was throwing her arms around me and hugging me tightly.
"Amber," I choked out, laughing, "we said no gifts."
Amber pulled back with a smirk. "Oh, I know, but I couldn't help myself," she said, thrusting the bag toward me. "It's just a little thing, anyway."
"Mhm, sure it is," I chided, knowing fully well that whatever it was had to be expensive if Amber had been the one to pick it out.
Noah and I had specifically told our guests not to bring gifts since we'd be breaking the news that the engagement was fake by the end of the night. I should have known that people wouldn't listen. Hopefully they saved their receipts so they could return whatever they bought.
Still, I managed a smile and set the bag down on the hallway table, leading my friend into the dining room. Amber gasped and exclaimed over the decorations, and was busily adjusting balloons by the time Emma swept in. Today's Bonus Offer