ssed her hand to her mouth, fighting the u

om dinner churne

comfort, now echoed in he

eir faces close, superimposed it

e opulent surroundings feeling like

ments. His "love" had always been conditiona

e "gave" her – always p

d her from old friends who

s the complete lack of genuine affect

sharp and insistent. How co

r early gala arrivals, Brandon w

at her jokes, his arm poss

wer couple," someo

y to have him,

ht smile. The iron

in a terrible play, her

ng glance from him, fel

tempt. "You seem a little stressed, Brandon. I

the usual last-minute things, sweetheart. Wa

s lips cool. His deception

to the bone. There was no flicker of g

Francisco before returning to Napa for the fin

hoped for a sign, any sign, that she wa

way. "Not tonight, Evie. Ex

final. Humiliation

nt glow of his phone screen illuminat

mall smile playing on his li

Evie found Brandon's iPad on

know the full extent of it, compe

s. Photos. Cassie and Brandon,

this gala is about char

ry celebration in Napa. A

e's eyes. Pain, raw and v

complete. Each message was a fr

nd brushed against an expensive crystal dec

hardwood floor. The sound wa

ittered across the

sharp piece had gashed her pa

Just a profound, c