d from my old life, the one person who

o come to New York. My engagement party! It' s next Saturd

k months. She' d found ways to get money to me, sent care p

as their territory. Ethan, Soph

an come too, of course. It' s time you showed those

should go, Ava. It' s Chloe. And perhaps," he added,

he city lights and filled with familiar faces from my past. Faces t

to greet us, pulling me into a fierce hug.

s Julian had helped me pick, my hair styled softly, a quiet

ome, let' s get you a drink. And then

his side, her eyes darting around, no doubt assessing the competition. Their group of wealthy, often snobbish peer

eer me away. "Don' t even look at t

er me anymore." And it was true. The sight of them no longer sent

Mark, had made their happy announce

ging with genuine joy. "My dearest friend, Ava, who many of you know, has also foun

f surprise, curiosity, and, from some, poorly concealed shock. I saw Ethan flin

er to offer good wishes, their eyes trying to glean more information

darling," she cooed, loud enough for those nearby to hear. "Married? S

' d latched onto the first m

Sophia, Ava is marrying a man who adores her and treat

d to Sophia, my voice cool and even. "No, Sophia, not desperate. Just discerni

n, who was now approachin

" he said, hi

anything to discuss, Eth

"This whole marriage thing. It' s a sham, isn'

rward slightly, his presence a silent shield. "Eth

entirely on me. "You can' t honestly expe

what you will, Ethan. I

tried again. "Who is this Julian Vance anywa

my patience wearing thin. "And unlike some, he doesn't j

p named Tiffany, piped up, "Well, I heard sh

ung in the air,

y? My life doesn' t revolve around trapping men. I have my own career, my own success." I

han looked like he

e tension. "Ava and I are here to celebrate our friends. We won' t be draw

a hiss to Ethan, "She' s impossi

eir world, their drama,