na

e name he'd called me when we were in love, before the accid

sliver of hope, sharp and dangerous, pierced through m

d the lie out, crushing that tiny spark of hope. "You d

ded but losing that intense, searching look. He actually seemed relieved. Relief that I wasn't the w

s like that horrible perfume now! My followers will think I have cheap taste." She flounced onto a velvet couch, demanding his attention. "A

, a bone-deep weariness that went beyond th

rian's parents, swept in like a cold front. Eleanor, a woman whose diamonds s

ping Bella in an embrace. "And my precious grandson

before resting a heavy hand on Leo's shoulder. "My dear boy, you are the future of our fa

was invisible to them.

with false sweetness, "Addy, darling, we have a little something

ant, intricately carved, that had belonged to my grandfather-the master perfumer who started it all. My inherit

l of my family's legacy, a piece of my history. Now, it was being hung around the

nor gushed, fastening it around Leo's neck.

e in society. Just this... little job of yours. Leo, on the other hand, gives us hope for the Fost

wife" had been a soundtrack to my gilded cage. Each holiday, each family gathering, a fresh barrage of th

ttention, pointed at me. "She's me

, turning her icy gaze on me. "What s

led. "Sl

e behind it. She slapped me hard across the face. The sharp st

t anymore. I was leaving. Soon. V

epped forward. "Bella, that's enough," he said, his vo

n indignant. "Addy, she des

gave me a look I couldn't decipher, then glanc

ormulas to review," I said, my voice tight. I turned and pra

uzzed again. Lucas. Supply chain contracts of

er me. Done. I was finally done. Now, I just needed to get home,

istics of my escape. My father had arranged everything. A

d out from behind a large potted fern, blocking my path. H

" He held up a pair of sharp pruning shear

ying to push past him. My hand th

shears and aiming for the cen

d onto the soft grass, letting out a theatrical wail. At that exac

Before I could react, she nodded to the guard. "S

with the overpowering, acrid stench of spilled industrial alcohol and fertilizer. It burned my nostrils, a direct assault on my most