Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Reese had already started calling Naomi "sister-in-law" with such ease, it was clear Naomi had accepted her as family, too.

"Yeah." Sylvia slipped into a seat, her gaze catching on the guest list nearby. "Wow, that's a lot of guests?"

Reese grinned. "You think that's a lot? We only invited the really close family and friends from both sides. Everyone else has to wait until the wedding."

Sylvia glanced down at the list-nearly two hundred names. She quickly shut her mouth. Both families were huge, and connections were never in short supply.

Noticing Sylvia's discomfort, Naomi smoothly changed the topic. "So, Reese, where were we just now?"

"Oh, right," Reese sighed, "about the order of paying respects as Rupert's wife. So much hassle!"

Naomi chuckled. "It's not a hassle. Rupert's the heir, the future head of the Garcia family. Everything starts with him, and as his wife, you go first. Simple as that."

Reese propped her chin in her hand, eyes dreamy and full of admiration. "I always said he was amazing. Back in college, he was first at everything-graduated fastest, too. People used to joke he must've had a sweetheart waiting back home, the way he hurried through everything."

Naomi jumped in protectively, "Oh, that's not true. Rupert is super careful about relationships. If Bridget hadn't pretended to be someone she wasn't, you would've been his only..."

She caught herself, suddenly remembering Sylvia was still there.

"His only what?" Reese asked, curious.

"Fiancée," Naomi quickly recovered.

Reese waved it off. "That's all in the past. Go on, Naomi."

Naomi threw a quick glance at Sylvia and, a little awkwardly, continued with the wedding details.

Afterwards, Reese grabbed Sylvia's hand. "Come help me put up some decorations!"

"Isn't it a little early? Won't the banners fade before the wedding?" Sylvia looked down at the paper hearts they'd cut out.

Reese stifled a laugh. "We're just putting them up at me and Mr. Rupert's place. It's just the engagement, but I want it to feel special. Besides, I could use your help with something."

Sylvia's hand paused mid-air.

No one but family was allowed into Rupert's wing of the house. Bridget had dreamed of just setting foot inside, but never even made it to the door.

Now, the real lady of the house was finally here.noveldrama

Sylvia quickly masked her surprise and smiled. "Reese, for anything else, better ask my mom. I don't know much about engagements and weddings, but I can help with small stuff."

"It's not about that," Reese said, cheeks flushing. "Your mom is my sister-in-law, but there's a big age gap. Some things are just easier to talk about with you."

"What's up?"

"I'll tell you after we finish with the decorations," Reese replied, winking.

Something about Reese's natural, easygoing vibe made Sylvia smile, too.

Reese, wearing her prosthetic leg, couldn't climb up and down easily, so Sylvia did the honors, standing on a stool to hang decorations.

As she reached up, her sleeve slipped, revealing angry red scratch marks on her

arm.

Reese's eyes widened. "Sylvia, what happened to your arm?"

Sylvia quickly tugged her sleeve down. "Oh, it's nothing. I'm just a little allergic to

dish soap with jasmine in it. Scratched it too much last night, I guess."

"I've got some prescription allergy

ointment from my family's doctor in Switzerland-can't get it here. I tube," Reese said

grab you

flashing a reassuring smile.

"Thanks." Sylvia changed the subject. "Okay, we're done. What did you need help with?"

"Come upstairs with me."

"I don't know... Uncle Rupert doesn't let people into his room."

Sylvia really didn't want to go.

"Oh, come on. If there's any trouble, your 'little aunt' here will take the blame,"

Reese joked, using the playful family nickname.

Sylvia froze for a second at being called "little aunt," but before she could protest, Reese was already tugging her up the stairs.

Rupert's master suite was massivę. Past the walk-in closet and the marble bathroom, the bed faced a panoramic wall of glass overlooking the Garcia family estate's private fake.

On the bed, two boxes sat side by side atop a ruby-red comforter.

Reese popped one open, suddenly bashful. "Which one do you think suits me better?"