via

ning, I star

wer back, likely from the pregnancy, but I ignored it.

me. Dresses that were undeniably Izzy's style, not mine. Perfumes that smelled

rd box and started dis

e gave me for our firs

s he insisted I

aters in beige a

way the costume h

re you

the doorway. He was dressed for

sweater with trembling hands. "Spring

the necklace I gave yo

lie tasted like ash, but it came out smooth. "

him. His grip was firm, bordering on painful. He looked at

ker of something in his eyes. Annoyance? C

, pulling my arm a

t my ribs. If he knew about the baby, he would never let me le

red, his eyes critical. "Eat m

curvy,* I

released me immed

tantly. Respectful. Eager. "Tonight? Yes,

. "Your father is hosting a

eel up to

. It wasn't a reason for me to go; it was the reason *he* was going.

the exact shade

atingly silent. Rain la

hed into his pocket and pu

id, tossing i

agonfly made of sapphires. It was beautifu

u," I sai

mirror. "It's for Izzy. It's a 'thank you' for her help with the merge

fe to give his mistress a gift. He wante

," I

s already in full swing. My father, David Hayes

whispered. "Y

okay,

across the room.

g something that made her throw her head back and laugh. The

lt like an intruder

," I

zzling. Predatory. "Olivia.

t box. "Marcus wante

htly, but Izzy opened

's perfect. It matches the one

ant smirk. "We went to a confer

arcus said. His

as well have been on the moon. He spent the entire meal passing

ourse arriv

ellfish. Marcus knew this. I had spent our honeymoo

g at me. He was busy cutting a piece of s

," I sai

rude," h

allops,

then at me. For a second, he looked

"I forgot. Just

They bicker like an old married couple. If I didn't know bet

le went

didn't reach for my hand

I saw everything. The longing. The obsessi

until the metal

cold resolve settling in