At the bridal shop, I saw fresh dark marks across my sister’s back. She whispered, “If I cancel, his father will ruin us.” I kissed her cheek and said, “Then we won’t cancel.” But by morning, the groom had no idea who was waiting at the aisle.

her eyes.

I took a sip of wine.

“Rumors can be dangerous.”

Victor chuckled.

“Only when they aren’t true.”

Across the table, Elian whispered something into Mara’s ear.

I could not hear the words, but I saw her fingers tighten around her napkin until her knuckles turned white.

I excused myself before dessert.

In the hotel bathroom, I locked myself inside a stall continue reading …