ing arrived wrapped in

ared it might burst through her ribs. The walls were ivory and gold, lined with mirrors that reflected h

her screamed that sh

ng garment bags, jewelry cases, and trays of

the stylist will

ey, would yo

King

called that nam

Kin

called anything so

café, counting tips and wondering how she would pay her rent. Now,

eal Amara Kin

-

isappeared

ar waiting discreetly outside the gates. Her hair was shorter now, tucked under a

red, though she wasn't sure whethe

a ha

er hand in silent farewell, a

a was alone with a lie

-

or pulled Lina ba

forcing Amara's cal

and Eleanor Kings

stomach

he had raised her. If anyone could see

swept over Lina criti

much," Lina re

prised. "That's norma

t. Important eno

robe with practiced hands. "Remember," she said quietly,

r eyes. "I

nsing something off. Then she straightened. "Go

mi

pulse

red, sharp-featured, eyes like steel. A man who looked like he

sagged against the vanity, gri

uld st

e robe, run out the door, a

-money Amara had transferred to her account that morni

ed Amara's face,

osed he

" she whispere

-

ral was br

ainting the marble floor in colors of gold and crimson. Guests filled the pews-

turned as

sic sw

miliar, her steps measured and careful. Every second felt

she s

n a black tailored suit. His posture was straight, h

ing sh

sn't

as if he were tryi

nsed she wa

breath

herself to

ded his hand. His touch was warm, steady.

e murmured, low enough

tightened.

mises Lina had never intended to make. Each w

d, her voice tr

r hand, just once,

d

illed the

at, Lina became

-

ption wa

tions. Laughter

t, his presence oddly protective. When guests spoke to her

" he said softly when they

art skipp

"But not in

ile. "I guess I

, then nodded.

n in his voice. No sus

er more than a

-

now be her home, Lina stood by the windo

posed to be

opened be

osening his tie. "You don't

d slowly.

brow. "You're te

eath h

ntinued, "I know this wasn't yo

inked.

" His voice softened. "I won't force anything

o

echoed

u," Lina

. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, we start f

, Lina sank onto the

to her stomach wi

nths later, she would feel l

was living would grow into someth

slept peacefully for the first time-unaware that the