vies was the only one in this family who had shown me genuine kindness without an agenda. He was sitting behind h

ook troubled," he said

e desperation. It was a formal, old-fashioned sign of supplication, something I

eyes searching mine. "What is it, child? What could be so

"I want you to arrange a marriage for me. To anyone. As f

iage? Sarah, you' re so young. You' re about to celebrate your birthday. What

the whole truth. He would never believe it. Michael was his golden grandson, the future of

has too many memories. I need to get away to be happy." I strategically framed it as my own emotional need, a desperate plea for a fresh start, something he

family in the South. A very powerful, old-money family. Their heir, Alex Miller, is in a coma. They are looking for a wife for him, someone to be his c

and in a faraway city was a paradise compared to what Michael had planned

want, I will do it. But I fear you are running from some

m the city center. Michael was there, standing on a stage in front of a crowd of reporters. And next to him, hol

of you," Michael announced to the cameras. "Emily White,

d, capturing the moment for the entire world to see. I stood there, frozen, watching the man I loved propose to my parents' murderer on n

n was so immense it was almost purifying. There was nothing lef

Not clothes, not jewelry. I walked to the closet and pulled out a large box. Inside were all the gifts he had ever given me. A diamo

ed it into a black trash bag. The necklace, the book, the music box. Everything. I was erasing him. I was erasi

oom door opened. Michael stood there, a smile o

didn' t seem to notice the trash bag or the empty shelves. "I had it

olor of blood. It was beautiful and terrifying. He was so close I could smell his

" I said, my voice careful

you' d like it. Now, get some

rl, and let him do it. The moment he was gone, I let out a breath I didn' t realize I was holding. I looked at the red dress,