ing arrived f

ed Daniel back, I didn't know how to meet him or what to te

he door, adjusting his cufflinks for the fourth time. "Be

y?" I asked quietly. He cleared h

ace. "Not that necklace," she said suddenly, frowning at the mirror. "T

ng gown that hugged every line of my body as if I were being packaged for display. Which, in a way,

something that looked suspiciously like guilt. "Mom, Dad... can I talk to M

n she was nervous. "I didn't ask for this," she said softly. I didn't answer her

ask," I interrupted

ame out calm. Almost gentle. But they

respond, but no

h things were different." I finally

shes had never matt

___

etting int

ly beside the open door of the black sedan while th

slowly, her expre

don't st

ce came out steadier than I felt. "

r a brief second, my father actually looked stunned.

tantrum. "Do you have any idea what will happen if you embarrass the Kingsleys tonight?" s

built. Not me. It

I said quietly. My father didn't even hesitate. "You're the

n the driveway. "Are you still here?" she asked carefully. My m

argue. I stepped forwa

My mother spent most of the ride reminding me about etiquette and postu

d, my stomach tightened. The manor stood t

owerful families in the city. We were greeted in the

r's hand firmly. "Mr

was graceful and

s studied me carefully as if she were evaluating

drinks had already been prepared. O

d in his glass. His eyes lifted when I entered. And stayed there. The look w

. He smiled faintly. "Stil

led m

her really th

head thoughtful

not com

the table felt louder with every passing minute. Margaret noticed the silence and offe

" But even as he said it, som

iffness. As if they were waiting for something. Or someone. I tried not t

d...arrogant...

agrees to marry a stranger