Dunl

ching the driveway for the sweep of his headlights, were over. That

nctuary but now felt like a beautifully decorated tomb. I lay in our king

name flashed on the screen. I let it ring, a small, bitter part of me wanting him

el

ice that replied

, laced with a feigned concern that made my

d tight in my hand. "Isla?

dismissive laugh. "A little too fine, ac

d against my rib

her tone dripping with false innocence. "The whole team came back here for a nightcap, but everyone else just left. He' s pas

a master of this game, painting herself as the responsible fri

e her strategy with perfect clarity. This wasn't a

ne," I said, my voi

know if I c

On. The. Ph

as she moved. I heard her syrupy voice in the backgr

ice came through, thick wit

s?" I asked, though I

. "We... we were celebr

he question sounded weak, e

ng my question. "I don't wanna go home

reason he found his home boring? Was my quiet,

d, the question slipping o

?" he mumble

spered. "Ma

n the background, the clink of a glass. "Don't be silly, Liza," he final

ine, her voice a sharp contrast to his drunken haze. "He's re

he phone, a playful, chiding tone in her vo

hat was suddenly sharp and sober. Far too sob

teasing. "Tell her not to worry. After all, you wer

is words continued to reverberate in

etail the Monroe family had conveniently omitted. Atticus and Isla, products of two powerf

fell in love with my passion, my independence, my "realness." He had called off his engagemen

follow me around a room, filled with a light that I no

ecome a burden. He hadn't just chosen me; he had rejected her, and now, it seemed, he was spending every moment trying to undo that decisi