Chapter 41
Aria’s POV
Ethan shifted uncomfortably beside me at those words, but maintained his smile. Scarlett hovered nearby, inserting herself between us whenever possible.
"Maybe something simple but elegant would be best," Ethan suggested, clearly trying to steer us toward the more reasonably priced options.
"Oh, I don't think simple would do justice to our love story," I said, sliding my arm through his and leaning my head against his shoulder. "Don't you think our announcement should be as extraordinary as our relationship?"
Margot nodded enthusiastically. "I absolutely agree. Let me show you our premium collection. These are handcrafted in Italy, using centuries-old techniques."
She brought out a portfolio of samples that made even my eyes widen. The invitations were works of art—letterpress printing on handmade paper, real silk ribbons, wax seals with custom designs, and even hand-painted details.
"These are our most exclusive designs," Margot explained. "Each invitation is individually crafted by artisans. The process takes weeks, and the cost reflects that level of craftsmanship. They begin at around one hundred dollars per invitation."
I heard Ethan's sharp intake of breath beside me but pretended not to notice. "They're perfect," I declared, running my fingers over the intricate detailing of one particularly elaborate design. "What do you think, darling? Isn't this one beautiful?"
Ethan nodded stiffly. "It's... very nice. But perhaps—"
"I think it's too busy," Scarlett interrupted, reaching for a simpler design. "This one is much more elegant. And probably more reasonable."
I ignored her suggestion completely, turning to Margot. "I'd like to tell you a bit about our love story, so you can capture the essence of our relationship in the announcement."
Scooting my chair closer to Ethan's, I placed my hand on his knee and gazed adoringly into his eyes. "You see, I've been in love with Ethan for years. I pursued him relentlessly, even when he didn't return my feelings at first. But eventually, he came to love me too." I turned back to Margot. "Isn't that right, darling?"
Ethan's smile looked more like a grimace now. "That's... one way to put it."
"Oh, don't be modest," I insisted, squeezing his knee. "Everyone knows how I chased after you until you finally gave in. It's so romantic!"
Scarlett's face had gone pale, her knuckles white as she gripped the edge of the table.
"So I'd like the announcement to mention how persistent my love was, and how Ethan finally realized I was the one for him," I continued, watching Scarlett from the corner of my eye. "Something about how 'after years of Aria's unwavering devotion, Ethan Blake finally opened his heart to true love.'"
"That's not quite—" Ethan began, but I cut him off with a quick kiss on the cheek.
"It's exactly how it happened," I insisted. "Don't you remember how I used to send you those little gifts? And how I'd show up at all your events? I was so determined to make you mine."
"I think that's a beautiful story," Margot said, clearly sensing the tension but professional enough to ignore it. "Now, how many invitations were you thinking of ordering?"
Ethan cleared his throat. "Well, our combined family lists would probably be around two hundred people, so perhaps two hundred and fifty invitations to be safe?"
"Oh no," I said, "we need to think bigger. This is going to be the social event of the season. I'm thinking five hundred, minimum."
Ethan's face drained of color as he did the mental calculation. "Five... hundred? At one hundred dollars each?"
"Plus the inner envelopes, response cards, and customized wax seals," Margot added helpfully. "We're looking at approximately six hundred dollars per complete set."
"That's three hundred thousand dollars just for invitations," Ethan whispered, leaning close to my ear.
I turned to him with wide, innocent eyes. "But darling, you said cost was no object when it came to our special day. Has something changed?"
Scarlett, seeing Ethan's discomfort, jumped in. "Maybe we should look at some of the other options. There are plenty of beautiful designs that don't cost a small fortune."
"Absolutely not," I declared firmly. "This is the announcement of our engagement, Ethan. It sets the tone for everything that follows. We can't cut corners on this."
Ethan looked trapped, glancing between me and Scarlett with increasing panic. "Of course," he finally managed. "Whatever you want, Aria. Five hundred it is."
I beamed at him, then turned to Margot. "We'll take this design, with all the embellishments. And I'd like to add a custom illustration of Ethan and me on the front. Something romantic, perhaps with us gazing into each other's eyes."
By the time we finished the consultation, Ethan looked physically ill at the price tag, and Scarlett had retreated into stony silence. Mission accomplished.
---
"This is ridiculous," Scarlett hissed as soon as we entered the Harper mansion later that evening. Ethan had dropped us off, claiming he needed to head to the office for an emergency meeting. The "emergency," I suspected, was more likely a panic attack over his finances.
"What's ridiculous?" I asked innocently, hanging my coat in the closet.
"This entire charade," she snapped, her carefully maintained facade finally cracking. "You don't love Ethan. This is just a business merger, nothing more."
I turned to face her, keeping my expression neutral. "And?"
"And you're spending a fortune on announcements for a wedding that's nothing but a corporate strategy!" She was practically shaking with anger now. "The Blake family needs Harper's media connections, and your father wants access to their fashion empire. That's all this is."
"So?" I asked calmly, examining my nails. "What's your point, Scarlett? Every marriage in our circle has strategic advantages. Did you think I was marrying Ethan for his charming personality and faithful nature?"
That caught her off guard. She stared at me, uncertain how to respond to my frankness.
"I know exactly what this engagement is," I continued. "And I'm playing my part to perfection. The question is, what part are you playing?"
Her phone buzzed before she could answer. Glancing down at the screen, her expression changed instantly from anger to barely concealed delight. She read the message, a smug smile spreading across her face.
"I have to go," she said abruptly, already heading for the stairs, a new spring in her step.
"Hot date?" I called after her, unable to resist the dig.
She paused, turning back with a triumphant smile that she quickly tried to mask. "Something like that. Don't wait up, sister dear."