Page 34 of A Perfect Fit

After what feels like an eternity, Mom lifts her head. “This certainly looks exciting, Isabelle. Well done.”

A warm feeling wraps around my body, like taking the first drink of a hot chocolate. Is my mother actually giving me a compliment right now? The same person who’s always been disappointed in me for not wanting to pursue a career in law?

“Are you secretly an alien posing as my mom?” I fake a gasp. “What have you done to her?”

Mom scowls, but I can tell she’s suppressing a smile. “There’s no need to be so dramatic. Can’t I just be happy for my daughter?”

I let out a laugh. “Thanks, Mom. That really means a lot.”

“That’s really exciting, Belle,” Ivy suddenly says. “It’s a shame about the date, though.”

I turn to her, raising a brow. “What do you mean?”

“Well, Ben and I are having our engagement party on the same day.”

My head starts thudding, the happiness and relief pulsing through my veins only moments ago vanishing. Out of the three hundred sixty-five days in a year, what are the chances that Ivy’s engagement party would fall on the same day as my fashion show?

“Really?” I stare at her with suspicion. “How come I’m only hearing of this now?”

“Well, we haven’t sent out the invites yet, but that’s the date we’re planning on having it.” Ivy shrugs and removes a piece of lint from her blouse. “I don’t know what else to tell you.”

I believe in coincidences. I really do. But this seems anything but a coincidence. It appears calculated and deliberate, like she doesn’t want to see me happy. Like she doesn’t want to see Mom be happy for me.

“I’m sure you do, Ivy.”

“Maybe you could consider changing the date for your event,” she suggests.

An acrid taste fills my mouth and coats my tongue until it’s all I can taste, bitterness overtaking my body and clouding my emotions. “Guess law school didn’t teach you much about honesty and fairness.”

Ivy’s mouth drops wide open, and her face flushes red.

“All right, that’s enough,” Mom cuts in. “Isabelle, that’s no way to speak to your sister.”

Ivy looks like she’s trying to hide a smug look on her face. She’s twenty-six—two years older than me—yet she acts like we’re still in middle school.

“It’s fine,” I bite out. “I’m leaving anyway.”

Ivy can do whatever she wants. I need fresh air and to get out of here as soon as possible.

Mom lets out a frustrated sigh. “We’ll talk about this later.”

I shake my head. “Don’t worry about it. There’s nothing left to say.”

Coming here and sending these invitations was a bad idea because no matter what, I’ll always be the villain in my mom’s eyes.

Neither Mom nor Ivy say anything else, not that I expect them to. Still, a clogging feeling burns my throat as I grab my tote bag and make a beeline to the front door, hating that I still care about what my family thinks. That silly me thought Ivy would be happy for me for once. Mom’s reaction when she saw her invite seemed genuine, but I don’t know anymore.

As soon as I’m outside, I take out my phone and text Jen.

Me

Hey, can I still join you for drinks?

Jen

Of course! We’re at Angela’s Rooftop Bar

Entering the outdoor terrace at Angela’s Rooftop Bar, I take in the panoramic view of the city skyline and the airy and lush rooftop garden. Upbeat music fills the air, and around me, people in business attire are gathered in small groups, chatting away with drinks in their hands.