and comforting. My mother was on the phone for hours, calling old family friends, her voice a low, urgent hum. My

perate: I would

a good family, solid and respectable. My mother told me Ethan was a brilliant astrophysicist, quiet, kind, an

meet a near-stranger and essentially ask him to marry m

My mother laid out a simple bu

e catching as she helped me with the zipper. Her

red woman with shadows under her eyes. I didn't feel beau

me to the restaurant where we were

nk. I knew

diculously large bouquet of roses. He was dressed in a

ping into the house. His eyes fell on me, standing in my blue dress, and

ught he could just show up with flowe

ty," I lied, my voic

looked confused.

on. A small, vicious part of me enjoyed the look of utter bewi

two days ago, announcing his engagement to Sarah Jenkin

ght. Of course. I' m glad you' re coming, Chloe. It shows you' re

sive glint in his eye. "That dress is a bit much for a simple party, though

ed. He pulled it out and glanced at th

ondering where I am. I have to go." He shoved the roses into my mot

ding back to his expensive sport

vitation he had sent from the top of the recycling bin, and tore

adying hand on my s

eep breath

ve country club. Our meeting with the Stones was at a quiet, elegan

e, a glass of champagne in his hand, his eyes constantly scanning the crowd. Sarah was

is she?" Sarah sai

ust trying to make a point by being late." He was so certain. He believed

orld where he wasn't th

s, a man named Mr. Harrison,

am," he said, clapping him on the back

Liam asked, rai

t 'La Belle Vie' across the street. Saw your ex-fiancée, Chloe Miller, there with the St

hand. It hit the marble floor with a loud

to stop. Everyo

his face pale, his eyes wide with