the reinforced glass

s lau

irked. He scoffed. He gave dry, mirthless chuckles of dis

side in the sun. He w

h. Isobel was sick, yes. But she wasn't bedridden. She was well enough to travel. Well enou

gainst the counte

Julia

r I'd met during a seminar I wasn't supposed to attend. She represented the world of light-

voice was bright, chirpy.

Jul

family obligations," she began, treading carefully. "But Professor Moore asked about yo

waiting for me

she added quickly. "I know the timing is a

date of the wedding was circled in red ink. It was s

t looked li

or the wedding," I s

"Oh? Is ever

my knuckles turning white.

, Nina. I'

. "When does the o

ur... well, two da

ake it,"

's a long flight. You'll be completely cut off. The confidentiality agreeme

s perfect,"

Julia. Nights, weekends,

it done,

as the balcony

oyed that he had to return to me, as if

and as if dismissing a fly. "She wants

uld go,"

ng for the sarcasm, waiting for the jealousy. H

uding his eyes for a fleeting second before arrog

fightin

of a man who believed he had won. He th

er. He didn't kiss my cheek.

ed running, I walked

up the re

he date out. I j

wedding da

n extrac