s she sat at the kitchen island, her hands wrapped around a mug of hot tea. Her hair was still d

hould call Page Six. Seriously, Lily. 'Billionaire leaves wife destitute

bury me. He'll cut off the funding for my parents immediately. And... I d

aid, leaning against the counter. "

dred and

laptop toward Lily. "Okay. Surv

rs hovered over the keyboard. She

he clicked on the first a

n: RISD, BFA Candidate (Incomplet

eri

ling Estate Man

the word "Incomplete" next to her education burned like a brand. She deleted the Sterling

en application

box pinged. An auto-r

shows promise, we require a completed

"I'm radioactive," she whispered. "I'm an unfini

zzed on the

guilt was a physical weight i

el

ay the vendor for the warehouse and the check bounced. What is goin

dn't forget, Mom. Things ar

You know Ethan's lawyers are the only reason your father isn't facing a

her voice tight. "I'm

her could scream again. Sh

a hand on Lily's shoulder. "I have an

ll scrub toilets, C

estaurant, remember? Lumière. My pianist just quit to join a jazz band in New Orle

was trendy, high-end. "Wha

er purse. "And glasses. I have a pair of non-prescription chunky frames.

e. The phrase stung,

said. "When

nig

simple black dress Chloe had lent her, her hair in a tight knot. The black mask covered half her face,

ivory felt cool, welcoming. She took a d

pressed an emotion that wasn't filtered through Ethan's approval. The tension in her shoulders began to melt.

s jar had forty dollars in it. It

y oak doors of the r

ss station. Lily glanced up from the

walk

th a predator's intensity. He was wearing the sam

arm, was Serena. She was wearing the midnight blue dress. The silk

against her ribs. She adjusted the piano lid, angli

han's voice carried acro

ing," the hostess bea

the corner booth

f sight, though obscured by the rai

facing the room.

asked, sliding into the seat. "

ing up the menu. He looked distracted, angry

ey," Serena laughed, placing her hand ove

vision blurring. Fate wasn'