od muffling the chaos outside. She looked at her reflection. Her

r in, clutching the guest list

is will blow up everything. It can't

ames, a catalog of the city's most influential and gossip-hungry figures. "Mo

ade quick, sharp marks

ating, and sighed in defeat. She couldn't stop her. S

moment. "Keep the guests calm. And please, keep a

ould likely try to physically fight the

ked list, and left to carr

heart to slow, her breathing to even out. She went over every step in her head - the timing,

interrupted

aid, assuming it

alone.The rage was gone. In its place was a smile that didn

began, her voice softened. "I know you're upset.

rmance in the mirror, he

closer. "But right now, the most important thing is to protect both

n. Let's just get through the ceremony. We can deal with our private matter

ing up with practiced tears.

and. Her grip was tight. "But I promise you, if you get through th

ped her head, let her shoulders tremble, and made a small,

f triumph crossed her face. "Good girl. I knew you were the most sensible."

e room, confident she ha

re dry. She caught her reflection and let out a low, humorless laugh.

cared about one thing and one thing only-their public

ling window, looking down at the wedding

No more hesitation. She

ow. Tall, handsome, someone who can own a room. Tell him to c

hung

n away, she would s

, or what would happen next.But she knew

e ready