She carefully popped one of the small, white pills from its foil packet.

s, the doorknob rattled. Th

Open the door." Damon's voice was muf

from her fingers, bounced once on the white marble

o

One missed day. A ris

ter on her face to cover her panic. She took a

r face, then trying to peer past her in

e gestured vaguely at her abdomen. "Cramps. I

hallenge. He stared at her for a long, uncomfortable

tone shifting from suspicion to command. "You

t him, incredulo

eryone that we, as a family, have welcomed her." He sat down behind his massive mahogany desk and lit a cigar, the smoke curling

n a party for his mi

ty of it w

aid, his voice the final word on

es, her nails biting into her palms. "Fine," s

already turning his attentio

ool wall in the hallway, forcing herself to breathe. This was it. The

the tiny pill for the day, the routine a small act of rebellion, a silent promise to herself. She ign

phone and sent a

rs the day after the party? I want to g

t be careful, Kirsten. A public event

at the dark, manicured lawns.

e typed back. I want

nd started a new file:

pensive caterers. The rarest flowers.

and brilliant. She knew Damon would buy Jasmin jewelry.

l for her marriage, and everyone in New Y