Page 9 of The Greek Billionaire's Email Bride

Hope chose her words with care. "She was our school's golden girl. Homecoming queen. Prom queen. The girl everyone wanted to date or befriend."

His gaze narrowed. "Our school?"

She nodded. "I was—"

"Don't tell me. I finally remember. You're the valedictorian. You graduated a few years after us."

"Two to be exact."

"How did you end up studying in our school?"

"Edith was friends with the principal. They offered me a scholarship. Free board and lodging. In return, my free hours were spent helping out however way I can."

A flicker of recognition crossed Colin's face. "I remember another thing. I often see you taking care of the cats in the school yard."

Hope could only nod. She had never imagined he had noticed her in any way back then. But whether that meant something in the long run...she didnt want to think of as well.

"This should be a lot easier then," Colin said after a moment. "You already know my history with her."

"I don't know anything about what happened after, though. Were you still together in college?"

"No." Colin's voice was curt. "I promised Princess I'd make something of myself. She didn't believe me. She wanted what was already guaranteed, so she ended up marrying Roland."

The school quarterback,Hope thought, recognizing the name. And another thing she recognized? The hardened expression on Colin's handsome features. It told her thatPrincess' rejection still stung, even when twenty-five years had already passed.

"Tell me more about the reunion itself." Hope decided it was time to change the subject, and she saw that this was the right thing to do when Colin visibly relaxed in his seat.

"Three days of events. Cocktail mixer the first night. Golf tournament and dinner the second day. Formal gala the third evening."

Hope's stomach dropped. "I don't know how to play golf."

"You won't need to. That's primarily for the men. The wives usually spend the day at the spa."

"And the formal gala? I don't have anything suitable."

"We'll take care of that tomorrow. I've arranged for a stylist to bring options to the house."

Hope blinked. "A stylist?"

"You'll need a formal gown. Jewelry. Appropriate accessories."

They didn't speak after that, with the meal ending in relative silence. When the dessert plates were cleared, Colin stood.

"I have calls to make. Elaine can show you around the property tomorrow."

Hope rose as well, uncertainty making her awkward. Were they supposed to kiss goodnight? Touch in some way? Were they supposed to—-

Colin solved the dilemma by stepping back, maintaining a careful distance between them.

"Goodnight, Hope."

Oh.

She told herself she wasn't disappointed as she mustered up a smile. "Goodnight."

Chapter Three

Hope regarded her reflection in the full-length mirror, barely recognizing the woman staring back. The emerald gown hugged curves she'd stopped bothering to emphasize years ago, its off-shoulder design revealing collarbones she'd never considered worthy of display. Her brown hair, styled in loose waves, fell past her shoulders in a way that minimized the silver strands at her temples, making her look...different. Softer. Less severe.

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