reporters clamored behind security barriers, and social media exploded with glimpses of the celebrity att

as a work of art, hand-embroidered lace over silk, with a train that extended six feet behind her. Her dark hair was sw

felt like

fashion editor evaluating a disappointing model. "And for God's sake, try t

Grandm

ne, the story is that you and Kaiden have b

nnounced via press release. There had been no romantic proposal, no private meeting to

gh the cathedral's ancient walls. Elea

ing on a beatific smile for the benefit of th

ng at the altar, immaculate in his tuxedo. His expression was unreadable, his posture rigid. Not exactly the look

but without emotion, his eyes never quite meeting hers. When the priest pronounced them husband and wife, he leaned in f

ision. Kaiden played his part flawlessly, the attentive groom who kept his bride at his side, his hand occasio

er their third obligatory dance, relea

the terrace for a breath of air, the weight of her gown suddenly suffocating. Th

aiden's voice drifted from arou

should announce her pres

way it never had with Esme. "This changes nothing. Don'

f course. What else had she expected? That he might actually develop f

hrough the crowd toward the bar. She wasn't a drinker, Eleanor considered it vu

nder. "Please." Then, reconside

her from the inside out. By the time Kaiden found her an hour later, she

nformed her, his tone clip

ng the city lights blur through unshed tears. This wasn't how she had imagined h

hitecture that pierced the city skyline. The elevator whisked them str

aracteristically imprecise. Esme realized he must have been drinking too, she'd seen him with a tumbler

mured, suddenly unce

" he interrupted, gesturing vaguely

set of double doors at the end of the hall. The bedroom beyond was equally stark, a massive platfo

om," he said, the wo

ped up. "Our roo

arate bedroom?" He laughed, the sound l

onfused by his sudden c

his perfectly styled hair, disheveling it. "They expect a

esurfaced, sharper now. A business a