The Price of Luxury

Chapter3

The coffee shop was loud, filled with the hiss of espresso steam and the clatter of porcelain. Elena sat by the window, her laptop open to a complex structural model. When Juliet walked in, she looked like a movie star. She wore a tailored cream coat that probably cost more than Elena’s monthly rent.

"You look stunning," Elena said, standing up to hug her.

Juliet hugged her tightly, a fraction too tightly, as if holding on for balance. When she pulled back, her smile was bright, but her eyes looked exhausted. "Thank you. Arthur picked out the coat. He said my old denim jacket wasn't fitting for a future Vance."

Elena frowned slightly, pulling out a chair for her friend. "It’s just a jacket. Anyway, tell me about Paris! How was the dessert?"

"It was... fast," Juliet said, looking down at her hands. The massive diamond ring caught the morning sun. "We were only on the ground for four hours. Arthur had a morning board meeting back in New York."

"Four hours?" Elena blinked. "That sounds less like a romantic getaway and more like a military drill."

"He just likes efficiency," Juliet defended quickly, her voice lifting into a practiced, airy tone. "Oh, before I forget, I have to cancel on Tuesday. We are flying to Milan for dress fittings."

Elena’s heart sank. Tuesday was the gallery opening. She had spent weeks securing tickets so she could introduce Juliet to several high-profile real estate developers. "Juliet, you promised. I really needed you there. Your connection to the historical society board is the only reason they are coming."

"I know, I’m so sorry," Juliet whispered, her eyes darting nervously toward the coffee shop door as if expecting someone to be watching. "Arthur already booked the private jet. He said the designers in Milan only had this specific window. He... he gets very upset when I try to change his schedule."

Elena reached across the table, covering Juliet’s hand. "Are you okay, Jules? You seem incredibly stressed. It’s just a wedding. It shouldn't feel like a corporate takeover."

Juliet forced a laugh, pulling her hand away to grab her sugar packet. "Of course I'm okay! I’m marrying a billionaire, El. It’s a dream come true. I just have to get used to the pace."

Elena watched her friend frantically tear open the sugar, spilling half of it on the table. The unease in Elena's stomach tightened into a hard knot.