ulian, his confidence restored, paraded Chloe through the c

vibrate. He glanced at the screen, his jaw tightening, and shot a subtle look at Kevin Hayes. Catching the hint

e paused. From around the corner, the voices

. God, the poor thing.

ut Julian and that actress, Scarl

ven said he gave her his wife's wedding ring to we

they washed over her. Her private tragedy was public entertainment. A running joke. She did

expression and re

f conversation had spiked. People wer

his girlfriend," a voice murmured nea

llowed t

clinging to Kevin Hayes's arm. Scarlett had her fingers intertwi

ws. His posture was rigid, a forced smile plastered on

d, his eyes flashing with panic. He had sent Kevin to quietly

read across her lips. She detached herself from her admirers, drag

er voice dripping with sweetness. "

shallow nod.

line of her dress, making sure the diamond ring dangling on

Chloe. Then, she let go of Kevin's hand, reached out, and looped her arm

le

eemed to hold its breath. The music faded. All eyes were glued to the tabl

sengage his arm, terrified of making a

t her husband's panicked face. She

e was set. The audience was rapt

he did not cry. She d

laug

silence of the room, it cracked like a

s Kevin know you call his host 'Jules'?" She turned her gaze to Kevin, who had gone pale. "Kevin, are you aware that your girlfriend ha

sil

uiet Chloe Carlisle. This wasn't a publi

into horror. She snatched her arm back