y returned in a flush of embarrassment. Carry

rced to do a job she considered humiliating-a far cry from the role

e about to become part of the powerful Carter family, Melina knew

her lips together, and managed a sh

heavy fabric of the wedding dress, hand

but think back to how she'd once truly believed Melina was superior in every way. Now, it

na. This dress is one-of-a-kind, made just for me by the Carters. If it ge

t in check. Those very words had often come from her own

here was no way she could ever af

t a weight lift off her shoulders, as if s

pped ahead, while Melina trailed behind, forced to hold up the delic

vement. At the same time, Emilee carried herself forward with a calm, dignified stride. It was im

lee's wrist sent Melina away, the motion dismissive and

led into fists, fingernails biting into her s

now, but Melina saw nothing but gloom ahead for Emilee-she felt sure the marriage would end in tragedy, l

her place with Aaron. She would eventually

a sliver of confidenc

nounced the start of the ceremony, with Emilee s

ceremony reached th

r lower lip, then glanced up with a wounded look. "Emilee, I know you don't trust me lately, but pl

lina's schemes was accidental-Melina had stolen her boyfriend, set her up

om the city's high society, Emilee decided