t like an imposter in the expensive dress Liam had insisted she wear. It was beautiful, but it felt like a costume. The room was a sea of familiar faces, all from Liam' s w

his body angled towards her, his attention absolute. He hadn't looked at Ava like that in a very long time. A sharp, familiar pain twisted in Ava' s gut. It was the pain of being second best, of

to be interested in a conversation with a board member. But she c

is back. They were always mea

o took care of him?" the second one as

rpose. Liam needed a nurse, and his family is very genero

her cheeks. She turned to walk away, to find a corner to hide in, but sh

snapped, though it was clear she ha

a mumbled, trying

t belong here. You' re just a charity case who got lucky. Now that Chloe' s back, your lit

looked for Liam, praying he would come and rescue her, but he was still across the room, obli

ective gasp went through the small crowd. The cold liquid soaked through the fabric instantly, a shocking, wet stain against her skin. The wine dripped onto the polish

e dress. It was about the cruelty, the public shaming, the absolute confirmation o

spill from her eyes, a kind

you al

clean, white handkerchief. He had a gentle face and concerned eyes

the handkerchief into her hand.

t in the suffocating darkness of her despair. She took the handkerchief, mumbled a thank you, and fled the ballroom, t