a

I kept telling myself as I sat in the backseat of my brother's car,

is grip was firm and steady, a lifeline in the storm of emo

playing in the background. I should have felt confident, but the truth was

face my past, ready to confront my ex-in-laws. But standing on the preci

had learned to hate me for leaving. What if they had poisoned his mind against me? The very idea twisted the knife deeper in my h

, taking a deep breath. It was too late to back out n

Dominic, but I was just a shadow beside him, someone meant to stay in the background until the righ

rand hall. The air was thick with anticipation and whispers, and as we stepped inside, the room fell silent. I could almost hear

lity from the corner where my ex-in-laws lurked

nt in their eyes. I knew he wasn't just here for me-he was here to choo

ating. I made my way to the bar, the glint of glass offering a momentary reprieve. Bu

ina

itation, she snatched the wine glass from my hand and splashed its contents across my cream-colored dres

you, Raina?" she sneered, her voice dripping with venom. "I guess your who

aze with defiance. "You don't k

ake her regret every last word. But as I opened my mouth, another fi

xan

aloof expression, that mask of indifference that hid everything. But for a fleeting moment, something else flickered in his eyes --

s. This isn't the place for --" He stopped, his eyes narrowing ever so

e. "You don't belong here, Raina," she hiss

ad torn my

give them the

ominic appeared at my side, his eye

d, his voice steady and authoritative, shielding me with his presence.

ction staring back at me - a stranger cloaked in fear and defiance. What

ess. "Dominic sent me. He thought you migh

ric, feeling its smoothness against my skin. "Tha

he mirror. The bold red was striking against my skin, making me

cross the hall, deep in conversation with some potential business partners. He seem

e air, yet it all felt muted, like I was living in a bubble. How

t displaying breathtaking paintings. I found solace in their enthusia

from a distance, the coldness of his gaze unwavering. I felt my heart rac

cing. I could feel my defenses rising, every in

as not ready to have a conversation with him. The room seemed

iness intertwined with betrayal, love shadowed by loss. He had taken my son fr

nding me to my past. I took a step back, but he remained still, an immovabl

this your new game? Parading yourself in front of