Chapter 23: Shattered Facades      

Sophie's face flushed with panic, her voice trembling as she spoke. "I-I mean, it's the most important part of the event. You can't just cancel it! Lady Sophia would never allow it."

Her desperation was palpable. It wasn't about tradition or etiquette; it was about her own dreams.

Sophie had been waiting for this moment, anticipating the chance to stand in the spotlight with Cole Fay — the most handsome, eligible bachelor in the entire world.

She wanted this dance, this perfect fairy tale, more than anything.

But me? I couldn't care less about that dream anymore.

That life—that person—was gone.

~Rriinnggg!~

Finally!

I'd texted Michael Blair earlier, asking him to call me, saying that it was an urgent matter, and now, as my phone buzzed in my hand, I couldn't have been more relieved.