a's

ung to my sk

no softness. It wasn't

ine Hall, a place so sterilized it felt like even God had vacated. Camille

nd." I didn't answer. My eyes were on my own reflection. The bruises

g my voice above a whisper. Camille tightened her

entered through the creaking door. "Mis

urse

en rows of chairs. Eight occupied by strangers in sharp suits and tighter

his lawyer. No family. No friends. Just leverage. His eyes di

as the

through the script like he wanted it over as fast as I did. "There w

exchanged

Alexander slipped it on my finger like he was claiming prope

. When it was my turn to sign,

Eva H

lared us married, it sounded more like a sentencing than a blessing. No

row. Her hands were clenched in her

men in dark coats and earbuds. The city

. " Look forward. Alexander's jaws clenched as he said, "Don't smile." As if he

n't s

one shouted my name. Not my new name. My old one. A v

ame be

fr

nd immaculate. A driver held the door open, head bowed. I climb

t look at me. Didn't offer a word. I stared o

Then the part

e. Because the man behind t

s Ben

teering wheel. He looked o

nt the bride to suffer harm." My blood ran

narrowed as he sl

e hell i

n. Don't tell me you weren't prepar

cks cl

and the car surged forward into traffic. I

through the rearview mirror. He raised his phone and said, "Smile

sprang in my thro

oadly. "Let's go cre