st lost in the noise of laughter and clinking glasses

ecause I need people to see us together. That

gowns, people moving like they owned the world. She held onto her clu

without hesitation. He glanced dow

for you to say. Everyone here knows who

oice left no room for doubt. He slid his ha

lver hair called, striding toward the

se. "My wife, he

ations!" His tone was warm, but his eyes flicked over Clara in a quick sc

e smile even though

, I must greet the others, enjoy your evening." He

t the man was gone. "He looked at me like... like

ightly under the table. "

ly, but doubt lin

Clara tried not to notice the w

even from o

id he fi

look like a R

he lowered her head, sta

of women whispering too loudly. "Do you have so

nly fake. "Oh, nothing, Kevin. Nothi

tered, "P

ing, she leaned closer to him.

t," Kevin replied. "

ion moved across the room. Clara follo

n Ray

the lights, her smile too sweet to be r

as smooth, calm, lik

lders stiffe

this must be the new wife." She le

polite smile.

yes didn't soften. "How charmin

around Clara's waist. "We

voice so only Clara could hear. "Kevin m

est tighte

world isn't kind to outsiders. It c

e. "Is tha

ndly warning." She gave Kevin one last long look. "Enjoy your e

d shakily. "

set. "Let her, s

vant," Clara whispered.

cheek for a second. "I listen

ear the stage. Mr. Raymond sat at the cent

said firmly. "

He swirled his wine slowly

ened. "Father. This

l talk later." His eyes shifted to the man beside him.

her face hot. He didn't even spare

he table and squeezed hers.

not?" she

's blind, b

y, but the ache i

en spoken to, but her insides were twisting. Evely

ra excused herself. She pushed open the restro

. "What am I doing here?" she whispered. "They

She pulled it ou

om an unknown number. S

reen filled with files. P

ade her che

– Thomas Jameson.

rt documents, debt lists, foreclosure not

known Number, Leave Kevin, or your fam

ooked around the empty restroo

sent this?"

ll the same number. You hav

ink, the phone glowing in her hand, her puls

Everything she had tried to bury

wanted