*Chapter 2: Warnings and Wine*
The morning after her before felt wrong.
Jane Carter woke up to sunlight cutting through her curtains in thin lines. Her head throbbed. Her mouth tasted like metal. She sat up slowly in her bed, clutching the gold locket Grandma Rose had given her last night.
Downstairs, the house was too quiet.
No clattering plates. No Victoria’s fake laugh. No Chloe practicing her piano badly on purpose just to annoy Jane.
Only Grandma Rose was in the kitchen, stirring tea.
“Morning, my girl,” Grandma said, but her eyes were scanning Jane’s face. “How do you feel?”
“Fine,” Jane lied. “Just tired. Was last night weird or was it me?”
Grandma didn’t answer right away. She set a mug of tea in front of Jane. “Your father and his wife took Chloe out. Said they were going shopping for ‘birthday leftovers.’” She said the words like they tasted bad.
Jane wrapped her hands around the mug. “Did Ethan call?”
“He did. He said he’d come by later with dinner.” Grandma paused. “Jane, did you drink a lot of that punch last night?”
Jane frowned. “No. Just one glass. Why?”
“Nothing.” Grandma sighed. “Forget it.”
But Jane couldn’t. Something about the way Victoria had kept refilling her glass. The way Chloe’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.
That afternoon, Jane went to see Bella Hayes.
Bella lived in a small apartment above her mom’s bakery. It smelled like vanilla and sugar. The perfect escape from the Carter house.
“You’re late,” Bella said, throwing a pillow at her. “I saved you the last red velvet cupcake.”
Jane collapsed onto the couch. “I think I’m losing my mind.”
“Because of the wedding?” Bella sat beside her.
“Because of _them_.” Jane told her everything. The dress that was too revealing. The way Victoria watched her drink. The way Chloe whispered to her father during the toast.
Bella listened, her brow furrowed. “Jane, your dad married Victoria when you were 11. Chloe was 9. It’s been 8 years. Why would they do anything now?”
“Because I’m 19,” Jane whispered. “Because I’m engaged to Ethan Brooks. His family owns half the real estate in this city. If I marry him, the Carter name gets money. Power.” She laughed bitterly. “And if something happened to me... who do you think he’d turn to next? Chloe.”
Bella went quiet. “That’s dark, Jane.”
“I know.” Jane pulled out the locket. “Grandma said something last night. ‘Not everyone who smiles at you loves you.’ She’s never talked like that before.”
Before Bella could answer, Jane’s phone buzzed.
*Ethan*: _Can I pick you up at 7? I got us reservations. Also... I have a surprise._
Jane smiled despite herself. Ethan was good. Kind. Safe.
“I should go get ready,” she said, standing.
Bella hugged her tight at the door. “Be careful tonight, okay? And text me when you get home.”
“I will,” Jane promised.
*7:30 PM - The Carter House*
Ethan was early. He looked perfect in a navy suit, holding a bouquet of white lilies.
“Happy belated birthday,” he said, kissing her cheek. “You look beautiful.”
Jane was wearing jeans and a simple blouse. Not the red dress. She’d thrown that one in the back of her closet.
Dinner was nice. Quiet. At a small Italian place downtown. Ethan talked about work, about their wedding plans for December, about buying a house with a garden.
“I want it to be just us,” he said, reaching across the table for her hand. “No drama. No family politics.”
Jane squeezed his hand. “I’d like that.”
Jane walked him to the door. “Thank you for tonight.”
“Anytime.” He kissed her forehead. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”