ed out who they were-they kept their dist

use resisting, so she got i

r. Ellis is attending a banquet tonight. He wants yo

a nobody. Whether I forgive him or

tt-Midnight Bloom. She was led into a large lounge whe

d the room-some brands Charis

these. You can choose the one you like b

se replied, sitting down in front of the v

s before pulling out the one they

from a renowne

ine," Chariss

, the stylist wisely stopped tal

a trap, but she didn't really have a say. If she had to be

rstanding why Clayton wanted to marry her. They'd never ev

ere were a million ways to get her here

ish. The makeup artist gave her a bold look to match her striking fe

must be exactly the

nly one in the lounge. She figured he'd show up soon. Her phone was al

assed, and there was

s and stared at her reflection. Then she suddenly rip

er fingers through it. Then she wiped off the sca

r. Odd ma

f member gently pushed it open a crac

avish spot in Draycott, the top floor of Midnight Bloom wasn't something just anyone c

most people. As Charisse walked past

n a hand got there first, ge

tch, beige suit-and finally landed

t he had a presence-calm and steady,

oned professor. Time had left soft lines on his face, despite his careful grooming. Charisse h

her dress, making sure it looked just right. He stepped back to

ked. "Yo

his hand with a deep, so

e thing about him matc

She looked at him directly. "

arty first," he said with a smil

elling

se I w

early, he wasn't planning on expla

lk it over with your aunt. As for your father's liv

clear: Clayton had a comple

thought of Elliot. Did Cl

had wrapped an arm around her waist

t his grip told another story-firm, i

turned to them. Most landed on Charisse, thei

rd. Up ahead, a few people stood talking. One of them flicked a

liot's, Charisse fel

oftened. "Elliot,

squeeze. "This is my fiancée," he

Clayton... was

yebrow, repeating the word

ven anger-it all mixed into a swirling mess inside her.Elliot suddenl