was loud, packed with people wearing

rm. She wore a simple black dress she had bought years ago. Josiah wore

ugh the door, the loud chatt

eyes snappe

He held a glass of red wine, swirling the dark liquid sl

to her shoes. Her fingerna

hand over hers, his thumb rubbing a

pty chairs at the far end

So, Josiah," Grant said, his voice booming over the background musi

ed at Grant with eyes so blank and

," Josiah

I saw some interesting photos in the group chat today. You shopping at

at the tabl

Her chest heaved. She opened her mo

ry," Grant continued, his voice dripping with veno

in the air l

e silverware rattled. She shot up from her ch

r wrist. He tugged gently. "Sit

soline on Grant's fury. Grant ha

ss and walked down the length of the ta

a drink, broke bo

ilted h

hest. The crimson liquid soaked instantly into the white

gleaming with malice. "Hope y

inside Flo

with both hands. Grant stumbled backward, his

elding him with her own body. She loo

rt slammed against his ribs with the force of a sledgehammer. No

ed, her voice tearing through the silent room. "You think havin

ple. He raised his hand

s legs coiled. He shifted his weight, preparing t

a slapped Grant's raised hand

th tears she refused to let fall. "But he has more dignity and talent in

ah's hand. Her g

pat, glaring at Grant. "He is

he threw the heavy wooden door open and marched out, le

ut, cutting off the

ed her face, a single, humiliated sob ripping from her throat.