#Chapter 283: The Guest of Honor

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.