painted for auction. The makeup artist worked sil

aza, her reflection appearing in the mirror

idn't t

day?" Chloe's voice was flat,

ssed Seraphina's face

er, humorless smile

r. The hotel manager en

e lobby. Mr. Carlisle... Mr. Dere

The ceremony was set to b

one, her fingers flying across the scre

rk of hope ignited

own reflection. "He doesn'

when Nathaniel's assistant, a severe-look

oice as starched as her collar. "He says the wedd

he

his face a thunderous mask. He moved like a puppet, his

reception, Chloe drank. She drank until the crystal flutes felt li

atched her glass for glass, h

hloe mumbled an excuse about

ater, slumped against the wal

r own steps unsteady. "Let's just... l

. The hotel had provided it earlier. The numbers swam in her vis

her down the corridor. The hallways of The Plaza wer

he swiped the keycard. She didn't notice the light f

keeping must have forgotten to

d onto the massive bed, pu

e thick with unshed tears as she pulled a duv

r head pounding. She di

moon suit

te, long-term residence

she collided with a hard chest. It was Derek, hi

mpt, didn't apologize, and stalk

d roo