at she had to squint her eyes against as her phone rang incessantly on her nightstand. Her heart was racing before she

text fro

ual hell is this? Pic

from a forme

tting married to Alexander Milton

alert on a celebrity news web page, h

on Engaged to Mystery Waitr

tside the restaurant. Her hair was pulled back into a sleep-deprived ponytail, apron streaked, eyes puff

photo-icy, coiffed, impenetrable

ke of their relationship as some fantasy Cinderella fairy

e already had an idea who it was. Isla barely opened it

ct?" Nina snapped, her eyes fiery. "You allowed me

I was g

ou walked down the a

out of her like steam from a pressure valve. "I didn't want this. It's

ssion of recognition, of pain easing enough for worry. "What

boulder under her ribs. "Two years. Marriage. Public appearances. Silence abou

e, twice. "He's b

ed slowly

d her arms around Isla tightly, protectively. "I loath

nearly k

melled of cash and roses. The lace wedding dress fell across her like something borr

racted by the entrance as the familiar click of heels echoed t

hn, Alex's

ven pretend to be surprised at seeing Isla. Her eyes were glin

utinizing Isla as one would inspect a flea market find. "But th

ed at her sides, bu

and satin that you've gained something? Please, sweetheart. That man does not marry women-

"Then why d

amila said, a smile stretching her face. "

ila spun around and departed, perfu

avy now, as if it mi

rge corner room with views of Manhattan. Leather armchairs, crys

f the engagement headline on the table between them. "A w

ramrod-straight. "It has

it guilt? Desi

stra

ak. She is the daughter of the man who killed your mother

e was firm. "You

conquer, not stoop to humiliating yourself f

he fire of anger in his ey

cold. "Well, then you'd b

hone had finally gone quiet. The media storm had blown over-at least, for now-b

gray suit-a delivery man long with Conor, Alex's Assistant. The delive

paper, printed on heav

you to join us for the marriage o

| The Glass Pavil

No exceptions

being able to reciprocate hers. No

de the contract and pushed them a

dreams anymore. Only d

nd she was walking toward it wi