confused by her question. "

earlier excuse. "I told y

ow but sharp. "Today is my birthday, Gif

hands, her shoulders shaking with sobs. But Adriana saw

, doesn't she? Sh

her fiery personality, her love for loud music, her casual clothes. She learned about fine art, opera, and

e daughter of a housekeeper over her, on her own birthday

ional," Gifford said, his

his grip with a strength that surprised them both. She

nded whisper. "Gifford, maybe I should l

nausea. The girl's pe

d tears. She remembered Gifford' s proposal, so formal and correct. He had promised her a life of re

artling her. It wa

d through the car's speakers. "I miss you like c

ile. "You're in Tokyo, Al

meant it. His devotion was a stark, painful co

inally went home. It was late, past mid

with lights. Music and laughter s

room was filled with people. It was a party

s the hostess. She was greeting guests, directin

vintage Chanel dress Adriana had been saving

ke a stranger i

ce. "Adriana! You're back. We were worried. I thought, since

vita. "What is she doing, Giffo

id, his voice defensive. "She organi

e was ice. "Did you give her per

Adriana," he snapped

ant smile playing on her lips. A few guests, friends of th

thday!" one of them said, tr

y into a conversation,

lided over to Adriana, her voice a p

This is my

what you deserved. You wer

rred, "we belong toge

the younger woman, at h

wrecker, Jovita?" she asked,

eered. She leaned in, her lips almost touching Adrian

In that moment, all the rules, all the discipline

and connected with Jovita's cheek. The sound of