a tremor of pure hatred running through me. In my last life, her memory was the gh

way to you. He told me he' s choosing you. He' s leaving

he had "won" would be irresistible. She would cling to Julian

texted

w. Say what you need to say. Our fo

feel a surge of power, believing I was at home, docile and waiting. He would feel no urgency to return.

rap w

ce worlds. The string quartet had started playing the same melody for the thir

ather, the formidable Mr. Thorne. My father' s face was a stony

s phone, his voice low but carrying i

apologize, Charles. I don't

r phone was held out in front of her. Whispers erupted, sprea

ngs, checked his own phone. His eye

he headline was explosive: TECH MOGUL JULIAN THORNE DUMP

in the middle of the departure terminal, holding Chloe' s hands. The

't just a family embarrassment; this was a public humiliation that would tank his company' s stock

y with shame. "I... I can't apologi

apparently rejected the first proposal. But Julian, ever the performer, had gotten down on one knee again

re was no coming

ds. He straightened his shoulders, a man salvaging the wr

e authority. "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the wedding betwe

cked murmurs

lity for this... insult. We will be making full reparations

he ballroom do

looking at his father. He wasn't looking at the shocked guests.

sharp and violent. Before anyone

f the slap sent me stumbling back, my cheek

ll into a d