le. He was obviously drunk, or else

, always focused on his studies. Once, a girl who admired him ha

ever laughing heartily or showing anger. He was so calm

d Vance. His eyes were sparkling as he raised his

be passionate, and u

ever smiled at her, never showed passio

ide, interrupting her though

here was no response, Nancy worried she might n

aside, her voice hoa

ast, but Rebecca managed only on

milk. "Madam, what would you

ed, then swallowed her usual respo

t the same daily conversation. "Mr. Bradford said

. Catherine had scheduled a week's worth of dinne

m the student days. I'm so lucky

several more on art theory. Without something to occupy her,

ache of it was unbearable.

sity's final round of admissions

mation fee. When the bank notificati

step closer t

and prepared to go out. Nancy asked wo

ebecca hardly ev

performing nearby and inv

he'd have the French Proficiency test tomorrow, and it was s

ut with application deadlines looming, she had submitted anywa

he school allowing p

ed, eyeing her leg. "S

l. "No need. It's a girls' night;

tial mishaps. "Then I'll

l call him after and have him pick me

en a spacious flat for their home. She t

ower her head, hunch her shoulders, a

, looking at Vance, "I heard your

, but Rebecca felt

ation conti

ur money, looks, and success, you co

ca, you can't bring her to meetings, events, or

y from business affairs, telling her to jus

blessed to live a life of luxury. But now she rea

aughed bitterly. "She sa

all that money. Isn't th

aid her off and moved on. Wh

o enshrine a statue and pray for weal

end events, and at home all she does is po

peals among them. "Really, V

sh to her head. Fury and humiliation knocked her

dramatically limped while holding a glass of water, speaking in a fal

that the man she loved more than