The next day, Desmond arrived at the Luxe Bridal Atelier. He looked around the bright shop, chandeliers glowing above and white gowns lined neatly on golden racks. He expected to see Faye, maybe standing in front of a mirror, maybe smiling in excitement.

Instead, the woman at the counter hurried forward with an apologetic face.

“Sir, I’m so sorry,” she said. “There has been a mistake.”

Desmond frowned. “A mistake?”

“Yes,” the woman nodded nervously. “You received a call about a booking under the name Faye, but I must apologize. It was an error.”

Desmond’s eyes narrowed. “So you mean Faye didn’t book the appointment?”

“That is correct,” the woman...