la were blinding, reflecting off ch

Julian Vance, tech b

eir engagement

ther, an investigative journalist, were sup

er gown, a nervous flutter

smatic smile plastered on his fa

murmured

ballroom d

houetted against

hina

wood," as some called her fo

e. The smil

's hand as if

is voice was a

rds Seraphina, leaving Ava

spered to the confused guests

reach Seraphina, hi

moment, Av

The woman was a mirror image, a sligh

cal blow. She was a substitute. Juli

ulian had given her, Ava

t was all ab

d in, uninvited, a small pot of

so consumed. I thought

, her smile not

id say I mad

p. The boiling tea spl

, pain shooti

assistant and friend, rushed

na said, her eyes wide

Seraphina looking distressed, Ava cl

ed, his face thunderous. He looked only

ed Ava!"

Seraphina murmured, clinging t

ya. "Get out of my

voice trembling from pain and shock.

to prote

his gaze cold. "Don'

na away, cooin

day, Maya

t-an

called it a

r heart turned to ice. Julian wa

lief in love, shattere