a Kan

tor softened into the elegan

nd the heady sweetness of fresh roses. The cold, starched hospit

My eyes

ple in tuxedos and glittering gowns, their chatter a low, pleasant hum. My heart slammed against my ribs. I looked d

he wall. The girl staring back at me was twenty-two years old.

ugh my panic. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining

lock I didn't know was there. This p

them. Brett and Juliana, standing near the bar, laughing with a group of ass

a wave of pure, undiluted hatred surging through me. I had to dig my nails

aiting for the proposal I was so sure was coming. Last time, Brett ha

dded. I thanked them. A perfect porcelain doll, my movements auto

sweet poison in my ear. She looped her arm through mine, the tou

e finality. I looked at her, my expression utterly blank. The i

hed for my waist, a gesture of ownership I had once craved. "Darling, what are you dayd

k-small, almost imperceptible-and his hand fell on empty air. A refle

s-a brilliant, cold blue-narrowe

iced. I saw curious glances. Heard the whispers

t's voice filled the room again. "And now, a

od ran

a small, dark blue velvet box. *That* box. The on

naged to arrange her features into a mask of shy surprise. I felt nothing. No hope. No

box in his hand

dn't walk

tep, through a sea of confused

-