h the party-her heart was consumed with

ck at her. Her eyes were dark and swollen; she clearly hadn't slept well. With a bitter smile

: Silver Bloom Cafe. It was the only place in the city that helped distrac

inside. Her smile widened when she saw Nora w

ora muttered, wrapping he

for a day," Aria signed, and

know how hard it was to manage this

just my work?" Aria te

t what

service anymore," Aria signed again, pla

gh not much older, Nora treated her like a younger sister. She had even learned sign l

bustling. When a delivery order came in and Nora was

her heart dropped-it

ear-she was not to be seen in public with him, especi

oblems for Nora. With a steadying breath, she walked ins

go," she thought. But just then, s

I have to w

her voice sharp

man in my place! You're MINE

hat word... it was meant for

screamed in her

hadn't marked her-he found the idea repulsive. Sl

tted it i

raphina close in a w

ing," he whispered, pressing a

's dying wish. You're th

n Aria's eyes. He

eave, but Serap

led, eyes wide.

us, his eyes red with rage. Aria had never see

you here," Seraphina sai

our husband?" Her voic

ee tray, trying to l

order," Seraphina sneered, grabbing

trailing her fingers down h

ntly as Ronan sof

aphina said sweetly, "even i

ing this-humi

n, but his eyes were

he could love me?" she asked herself. "He never g

urned

. She opened her purse and pulled out a fe

amount was exce

ook he

cked. "Isn't that why you're working at a sma

he wanted to speak, to yel

and leave!" Ronan snappe

y despise h

mile and took the money. She turned

place, Aria,"

d never break my rules aga

broke. She stepped outside just as t

ght-it would h

o the road, and in the confusion,

rashe

er vision blurred. She tried

sound e

.. help. I don't wa