oria

ck on. In an instant, everything was back to normal. The altar, the guests, the flowers...all eyes on me. No one else se

hand around Scott's arm, pasting on a smile I didn't feel. My fin

brushing against my ear. "What

I couldn't tell him. I wasn't even sure I could tell myself. But the fear had carv

kiss that silenced the whispers around us. The guests erupted in applause. My eyes flew open in surprise..

aisle together, my heart had begun to calm, at least until I noticed the pa

o

limousine waited outside, shimmering like a sleek promise of a life I was

looked like you'd seen a ghost." I hesitated. The

dn't look at him. Instead, I stared out the wi

e to me. You're shaking." I forced a breath and t

I kept the paper hidden in my

d waiting. I stepped inside, unsure what to feel. The air smelled like memories a

. I turned. My mother stood by

om

e...a familiar blend of roses and something faintly citrus

tears trickling onto my shoulder. "But Scott... he's kind.

as sincere. But it didn't change anything. "

was trying to memorize the soun

ind me, and the

.................

h the note still burning in my palm. I still hadn't read it. I was too afraid

gates. White stone walls. A fountain that glittered in the evening light

th a soft grin. I wanted to smil

d his hand. I refused. "Y

e nodded and led the way inside. I followed, feelin

nt and silent. My bags were already b

a room?" Scott turned to me. "Yes.

ers." I turned sharply and walked out to the grand living room, arms crosse

ew, trying to distract myself from the tension stre

ned around fast, my heart leaping into my

for the record, I'm not sleeping in the s

I couldn't read. "You're... re

with a half-smile. "I

are being moved. Across the hall. Here's the key to your room."

ened." He placed the key in my ha

st time someone listened to m

Elegant lavender drapes, a king-size bed with soft velvet covers, walls adorne

te still clenched in my fist. I sat

is. You're not safe. Midn

e note again, staring at the f

life of luxury... or

nder my pillow. Scott's voice came through the door. "I o

over the hidden note. "Coming,

ous. I had until mi

en with Scott, laughing at something h

knew I wasn't imagining it this tim