ian

ed. With those "flies" swatted away, Kathrine's

ense I usually had to endure from socialites. She was a woman

"The agreement says financial independence," she sa

gnificant expense for her-a woman trying to establish her independence from her family

t argue

e table, a faint wince crossing her face as s

me VIP black card for Aurelia sent to Miss Kathrin

ickly. "Of cour

thing to do. It preserved her dignity today whil

f at her old apartment

ing out. "Thank you for dinner," she said, th

k disappear into the building, a na

quietly watched the building. After a while, a light flickered on in a window on the street

ang. It was my grand

ou called off the engagement?" My grandmother's voice was

replied. "I already

. "Damian, marriage is not a game. The wif

I cut in, my tone firm. "She is the

negotiated with me. The way she held her head high even as she pal

was no longer just ab

She sighed. "Fine. I'll give you time. Bu

," I pr

l and stubbed o

the ones my family had pushed on me. As their faces passed throu

I wanted to

er for me to go upstairs and

ded, his tone confused. But I could

certainly visit Mrs. Sharpe, but m

u're r

a bouquet of white roses. I remembered reading somewh

driver the florist's address. "I'm