terse update stating that Sophia had a sprained ankle and needed him.

unmarked box. Inside, nestled in layers of silk tiss

een spun from moonlight itself. Thousands of minuscule diamonds were scattered across it, catchi

tranger. She was no longer the muted, overshadowed fiancée of Brant Hayes. She w

up, a few hours before the gala. When he saw her, he stop

breathed, his eyes wide with a mixtur

s. She did a slow turn, the diamond-dusted skirt swirling around her.

white counterfeit gown. The questio

. "You both look beautiful in your own w

e. For now. She walked over and took his arm. "

head in the grand ballroom turned. Vivienne's gown was so luminous, so utte

socialites, wearing the high-quality fake. The moment s

refuse and wear something else entirely. She never imagined Vivienne would find another version-

the fiancée and the best friend, wearing the same

posed her features into a look of gentle concern, took a gla

incerity. "But don't you think it's a little inappropriate to wear a replica to

gauntlet, publicly bra

drama he loathed. He tugged at Vivienne's arm. "Vivi, let

yanked he

her eyes as cold and s

, her voice dangerously s

AC

s like a gunshot in the

mbled back, her hand flying to her cheek,

fore you accuse me of wearing trash," she said, her voice ringing with cold fur

low and trembling with contempt. "And you, Brant Hayes. Is this the woman you protect? A