Gall

s. They painted my face, sculpted my hair, and poured me into a designer gown. They were crafti

as a look that once would have made my heart flutter. Now, it just made

elite. They applauded when we walked in, their faces a blur of envy and respec

brand I despised. It was another sign of his carelessness, of how completely

had just died down w

l, holding the hand of her son, Leo. She released hi

eaked with tears. Then he turned, pointed a tiny finger a

ence was absolute, heavy with scandal. The shame

don't know this child," h

ctly. "Leo, honey, we shouldn't be here," she whispered, but her eyes, w

e pointed at my wrist. Dangling from his tiny arm was a leather bracelet

nside me. It was the ultimate insult to my

yes blazing with fury, as if this was somehow my fau

ved me

harp edge of a glass table. Pain exploded behind my

as kneeling, his attention solely on Leo, f

e chose his bastard. He chose his Valenti mistress. He aban

ack over her shoulder. The pure, malicious triumph in he

I looked down. A dark stain was spreadin

r disgracing the family name. The pain in my belly intensified

ollapsed onto the floor i