Chapter 2 - Vanessa’s Perfect Engagement
Vanessa met Ethan Carlisle at a charity auction in Manhattan.
Ethan came from an old, respected family, but he was not the arrogant heir Margaret and Richard expected. He worked as an architect and had spent several years designing low-cost housing projects.
Vanessa initially told Claire that Ethan was perfect.
“He is handsome, connected, and his family owns half of Connecticut,” she said.
Claire immediately disliked the way Vanessa described him.
“What does he care about?” Claire asked.
Vanessa looked confused.
“I just told you. His family owns half of Connecticut.”
“That is not what I asked.”
Still, when Claire eventually met Ethan, she understood why people trusted him. He was thoughtful, calm, and uncomfortable with public attention.
He seemed genuinely in love with Vanessa.
For several months, Vanessa behaved differently around him. She volunteered at his housing foundation, spoke about living more simply, and claimed she wanted a small wedding.
Then Ethan proposed.
The engagement ring changed everything.
Photographs appeared in society magazines. Fashion companies offered Vanessa partnerships. Event planners competed for the chance to organize the wedding.
Margaret immediately began treating the marriage like a royal event.
“A small wedding would be insulting,” she declared. “People expect something unforgettable from this family.”
Richard agreed.
Ethan suggested using his family’s home in Connecticut.
Vanessa refused.
She wanted somewhere no one in her social circle had used before.
One evening, she arrived at Claire’s penthouse carrying several wedding magazines. Lily sat at the dining table drawing a pink castle beside the ocean.
Vanessa dropped the magazines in front of Claire.
“I found it.”
She opened one to a photograph of a private tropical island in Saint Barthélemy. It featured a cliffside resort, secluded beaches, luxury villas, and a sunset terrace overlooking the sea.
Claire recognized it immediately.
The resort was called Aurore Island.
Her company had been negotiating to purchase it for more than a year.
The sale had not been publicly announced.
“This place is private,” Claire said carefully.
“That is why I want it.”
“It is also extremely expensive.”
Vanessa leaned forward.
“Ethan’s parents will contribute, but Daddy says business has been difficult this year. Mom says you are doing better than ever.”
Claire closed the magazine.
“How much are you asking me for?”
Vanessa named a number that would have paid for several houses.
Claire stared at her.
Vanessa quickly reached across the table and took her hand.
“You are my sister. I only get one wedding.”
Lily looked up from her drawing.
“Can I be the flower girl?”
Vanessa smiled brightly.
“Of course. You will wear the prettiest dress there.”
Claire saw Lily’s excitement.
She also saw the little sister Vanessa had once been, smiling at her from across the table.
Claire agreed to cover the remaining cost.
But she made one decision Vanessa did not know about.
Instead of renting Aurore Island, Claire completed the purchase through a private subsidiary of her company.
The wedding would become the resort’s first major event under new ownership.
Claire told herself the arrangement benefited everyone.
Vanessa would have her dream celebration.
Claire’s company would test the island’s staff and facilities.
Lily would see a place she might one day help manage.
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At the time, Claire believed generosity could heal old wounds.
She did not understand that some people interpreted generosity as surrender.
