om her mouth was mor

rp crack of my palm connecting wi

" I spat, my voice

e freeze. I turned slowly and me

there, looking at me, and I knew.

, I accepted birthday wishes, but my mind was in a knot of fear. I kept w

d. The party was a

tage, ready to announce my future husband. The ballro

omeone whispered nearby. "He'

e countered. "He's been chasing her for

unter. He caught my eye and gave me a look of such deep, unwavering love it took my breath away.

a real, h

the world

playing a beautiful montage of my life, flickered and

losed in a state of pathetic, lovesick bliss. The video continued, show

e echoed through the silent b

ed, my eyes desperately seeking Damien in the cr

u?" I mouthed, my heart shattering into a

his face purple with rage. "Som

pt playing. The

He charged the stage, picked up a heavy champa

father bellowed, his voice s

's just a young girl's crush. It's clear who she's in love with.

knew I had chosen Hunter. He looked a

, shielding me from the prying eyes of the crowd. He held me

tunned guests, his voice rin

ing through the hall. "And I swear to God, whoever is resp

rowd

were ashen. They stared at me, at Hunter, their expressions a mixture o