Page 6 of Arranged To Be Mine

The teleprompter scrolled smoothly. I let my eyes track the words as I spoke. It was easy. Almost too easy. I talked about the collection and the inspiration behind each design. I went into the spiel about Corwin Gems evolving to meet the needs of modern couples while honoring the timeless tradition of commitment.

The words flowed. The cameras flashed. I was doing it.

And then, toward the end of my speech, the words I had practiced weren’t the ones appearing on the screen. The PR team had changed more than a few details. I glanced at the teleprompter for help, but of course, the smudges were right where I didn’t need them.

I kept going, trusting my preparation.

“I’m honored to announce that I will be transitioning into the role of CEO over the coming months,” I said, lifting my chin slightly. “The Fall in Love collection represents my personal vision for the future of Corwin Gems. These rings are more than jewelry. They’re a promise. A beginning.”

I squinted slightly, trying to make out the words through the blur.

“Under me love gives up hope.”

The words left my mouth before my brain caught up.

Gives up hope.

Not gives us hope.

A murmur rippled through the crowd. Someone in the back let out a small, startled laugh.

My stomach dropped and my armpits turned swampy.

I should have corrected myself. I should have laughed it off, made some self-deprecating joke about needing more coffee and turned it into a charming moment that humanized me. That’s what someone used to giving speeches would have done. That would all become clear in hindsight.

But I wasn’t a public speaker. I wasn’t charming or self-deprecating. I was a god damn perfectionist and I had just fucked up.

“Thank you for your time.”

Hands shot up.

“I won’t be taking questions,” I heard myself say, the words clipped and cold.

I turned and walked off the stage. Not walked. Marched. Like a soldier retreating from a battle she’d just lost. The doors swung shut behind me, cutting off the confused murmur of the press corps.

Margot was waiting in the hallway, her face pale. “Ms. Corwin⁠—”

“Don’t.”

I kept walking. Past the conference room and my father’s office. I didn’t stop until I reached the emergency stairwell. I pushed through the door and let it slam shut behind me.

The concrete walls echoed with my ragged breathing. I could already see the headlines. I would go viral on Twitter.

Corwin Gems CEO: Under Me, Love Gives Up Hope.

I’d just announced to the world, on live television, that under my leadership, love didn’t stand a chance.

3

BEAU

The day after my courtroom victory, I was riding high. I wouldn’t say I strutted into the office, but I did. I nodded at my receptionist, Melissa.

“Good morning, Mr. Blackwell.” She smiled.

“Good morning. Is Anne in?”

“Yes. No. She was. She brought your coffee and then went to get your dry cleaning and the usual errands.”