Page 7 of The Substitute Fiancée

A three-carat diamond surrounded by smaller stones arranged in a halo. Spectacular. Perfect for her.

“Oh,” Alexander breathes. “That’s… impressive.”

“This one will be perfect,” I murmur.

Our eyes meet. There’s something in his—hesitation, perhaps disappointment. Then the moment passes.

Alexander approves my choice and quickly pays. I look away when the payment terminal displays €42,000, and then we leave the store.

Once outside, I take a deep breath, as if I’d been holding it the entire time.

It’s done. The ring is bought. I’ve just chosen the weapon that will pierce my heart.

In a few days—weeks at most—Alexander will kneel in front of my sister and ask her to marry him.

And I’ll be there, pretending to rejoice for the happy couple while my heart lies irreparably shattered.

I assume he’ll drop me off at home, as he usually does, but no. The driver stops in front of an art supply store: Rougier & Plé, paradise for any Parisian artist.

I look at Alexander in surprise, but he merely smiles, steps out, and opens my door.

“Come on,” he says. “Hurry before the store closes.”

I freeze, not understanding.

“Alexander… what are we doing here?”

“Go inside. You’ll see.”

I don’t need to be told twice. I follow him into my dream world. The familiar scent of paper, pigments, and turpentine wraps around me instantly. It feels like coming home.

“To thank you for your help,” he says, “I’m buying you anything you want.”

The surprise leaves me speechless. Does he realize he’s just offered me the greatest fantasy of any artist? An unlimited budget for art supplies.

“Alexander, I can’t—”

“Yes, you can. And you will.”

There’s something firm in his voice, almost fierce. As if he needs me to accept.

“I’m going to ruin you,” I threaten.

“Sam, I just spent forty-two thousand euros on a ring. I think I’ll survive a few tubes of paint.”

A few tubes of paint. If only he knew.

“All right,” I say.

His face lights up.

“Perfect. Then show me what makes you come alive.”

4. The Gift

Alexander

I watch Sam wander through the aisles and wonder how her family can be so blind.