< 4 Chapter 4 - Engagement and Coldness 4 Chapter 4 - Engagement and Coldness The applause echoed like a coronation. 1 Under the golden chandeliers of Cipriani, Mason Rutherford slipped the family heirloom-a vintage emerald ring set in platinum-onto Caroline Monroe's trembling finger. Her breath hitched as the flashbulbs flared, catching the gleam of both stone and smile. Their parents stood nearby, beaming. Investors murmured about synergy. Tabloids had already pre- scheduled their "Love Meets Legacy" spreads. Caroline glanced up at Mason. He was watching the photographer. Back at her penthouse, Caroline twirled under the recessed lighting, lifting her left hand toward the ceiling like a trophy. "I'm officially engaged to Mason Rutherford," she whispered to her reflection in the mirror. "We did it." Her phone pinged. A text from Mason: *Busy tomorrow. Let's skip the cake tasting. Pick what you like.* She paused. Then typed: *No worries Get some rest.* No emoji came in return. - Planning the wedding was like designing a dress for a mannequin that refused to move. Mason skipped appointments. He forwarded guest lists to his assistant without comment. When Caroline sent honeymoon destination ideas-Amalfi Coast, Kyoto in cherry blossom season, even a simple cabin in Vermont-he replied once, with a thumbs-up emoji. 10 10 518 < 4 Chapter 4 - Engagement and Coldness At a bridal expo, Caroline stood alone in a maze of flower arches and crystal flutes, answering strangers' questions with glowing rehearsed lines. "Mason's just busy," she told a makeup artist. "Of course. He seems... intense," the woman said politely. Caroline smiled tighter. - At night, she lay in bed scrolling articles: **"How to Warm Up a Cold Fiancé."** ***Engaged But Distant: Signs He's Just Stressed."** **"When Love Looks Like Politeness."** Each title sent a prickle through her chest. She closed the browser. Tried to sleep. But the distance pressed against her like frost on glass. Rumors circled like lazy sharks in society columns. *Mason spotted near Columbia's music conservatory.* *Mason donating to the Caldwell Family Memorial Fund,* *Mason attending a private recital-featuring Iris Caldwell.* Caroline shut her laptop with a snap. She wouldn't spiral. She was the fiancée. The future Mrs. Rutherford. 10.10 318 < 4 Chapter 4 - Engagement and Coldness She'd earned this spot. No ghost from Mason's past would pull her back into uncertainty. One Sunday afternoon, she confronted him. They were supposed to finalize invitation fonts. Instead, he was seated in his office chair, reading quarterly reports with earbuds in. "Mason." He didn't look up. "Hmm?" "Do you want this wedding?" He blinked. "We're already engaged." "That's not an answer." He set the file down. "Why wouldn't I want it?" "That's still not an answer." Silence. Then: "It's what's expected. Our families-" She flinched. "Not what I asked." His eyes met hers finally, Still unreadable. "I respect you, Caroline. You're... dependable." The word landed like a cold stone in her gut. Dependable. Like a filing cabinet. She swallowed hard. "Right" He stood, brushing invisible dust from his sleeve. "Let's not fight. There's too much at stake." 718 < 4 Chapter 4 - Engagement and Coldness She didn't cry. Not then. She waited until she was alone in her walk-in closet, surrounded by silk swatches and unopened gifts. There, she practiced her smile in the mirror. Bright. Effortless. Radiant. She whispered to her reflection, "He just needs more time." But deep down, the frostbite was setting in. Still, she showed up to every press event. She posed beside Mason at fundraisers. She laughed when he said something dry and impersonal at toasts. And when asked about the honeymoon, she said brightly, "We're keeping it a surprise." Which wasn't a lie. Even to her. - One afternoon, while flipping through table setting options, her hand froze on a glossy magazine spread. There, in soft focus, was Mason. Not beside her. But beside Iris Caldwell. They were outside a small gallery in SoHo, heads tilted close. The caption: *Old flames?* 10.10 4/6 < 4 Chapter 4 - Engagement and Coldness Caroline stared at the image for a full minute. Then tore the page in half. She didn't confront him. Not this time. She knew he would deny it. Or worse-dismiss it. She wore a new shade of lipstick to their next dinner. Mason didn't notice. She switched her perfume. He didn't blink. She memorized the scent of his indifference like it was scripture. On the eve of their engagement anniversary, she sat alone in her penthouse, sipping white wine with a catalog of wedding bands spread before her. Her phone vibrated. Mason: *Working late. Raincheck?* She typed: *Of course.* Then stared at the message. She didn't send it. She powered off the phone. And whispered to no one, "Maybe I'm not the only one freezing." Comment n Leave the first comment for this chapter. 10 10 5/6