ste

reparations for the grand engagement ann

rangements of ivory roses and golden lilies adorned every corner, their fragrance

casion -- a union between Lancaster and the Harringt

s a nightmare I had onc

om, dressed in an elegant silver gown that shim

diamond necklace around my neck,

, this same necklace, and stepped into the same grand ballr

round the necklace,

this was the day

trusted Sophia with all my heart. The very people I lo

indifferent gaze as Sophia whispered venomous

This time, I

ughts. The maid steps aside just as the doo

ed in an elegant ponytail. Her eyes, the same ones that once held fa

smoothly, stepping inside. "Just

clenching from the necklace. "

eased smirk, oblivious to th

to be in your position? Noah is the perfect match for you. And

as to you. A tool!

calm, though fury f

her approval, craving even the smallest af

r manipulator who has stolen my birthright an

rs shortly," I sa

ing out of the room. The moment the door clicks sh

some touch-ups, and we'

he elite of high society, men in tailo

air, but I feel the weight of dozens of

nds at the piano, dressed in a classic black tu

ed. The man who vowed to always protect

riumph. He believes I am still th

in him. My lips curl in amusement. Y

y towards me ext

g a light kiss on my glove fingers. "You l

o warmth in my gaze. "And you lo

sses his face, but he tries to mask it with his usual fake

efitting response, another

you're absolu

Sophia Raynes I

ing a few feet away from me; she's dressed in a champagne-colore

hrough her, I feel n

e this before pushing me to my d

if we're still close friends. "I can't believe the

h, tilting my head. "

ack by the Sharp edge in my voice, I gue

have to excuse my fiancee, Sophia. She's just nervous."

not nervous, Noah. In fact, I've never been more cert

s good to hear. Soon, we

lishness. "Of course, soon

Celeste, I need to talk to

want to possibly talk about

, glancing at Noah

voice echoes through the m

adoptive mother stepping forward, holdi

eat joy that we celebrate the engagement of my beloved daught

se sounded fr

stage where Noah takes center stage from Estina. He holds the mic

in-law-to-be has said, we thank you for joining us tonight to celebrate a l

I this blind to this pre

supposed romance of it all. I try to hold my exp

rmth and affection it carries are fake. Those eyes were beautiful to look at befo

made my way forward, my gown sweeping the floor with each slow an

ntly leading me up. He squeezes my fingers -

wly as I cu

aying by his

tention. "Celeste and I have known each other since we were you

e gibberish, lowering himself on one

out a velvet box. He flips the box op

I say to

ing glitters bet

mooth, confident voice and filled with