IN

probably only seconds. Teddy had returned to Castor's side, his h

had happened, "we have the Cameron Foundation event

ere with you," I sai

o smile and tell everyone how happy you are. How ble

N

my mother's restaurant, thriving, full of customers. The

thing. Your mother will lose her life's work. Your brother will

ike the walls wer

you," I

ress I bought you. The one with the diamonds." He t

was burning my skin. I could hear Teddy laughing be

d cried. Deep, body-shaking sobs that hurt my chest. Everything was a lie. E

ve time to fall

did my makeup with shaking hands, covering the red around my eyes. Then I put

xedo. He looked handsome, successful, like the perfect hus

s empty. "Remember, Raina. You're ha

ching the city lights blur past. My chest felt hollow

ndreds of photographers were wai

ispered, his hand

elt like my fa

Raina! Ov

d me. My hand on his ch

night, Mrs. Rowland!"

aged to say, my vo

ied life tr

zed my waist

ied. "Every day is li

ul couple! Castor, how

s. "I ask myself that every day. Raina is my angel.

l the truth. But I thought of my mo

congratulations from everyone. Judges, businessmen, other politician

vernor someday," an older woman

" I repeat

raditional marriage. About how his sweet wife had made him a better

side, clapping along

eporter approached our t

ould we have a quick in

astor said, pu

ght was brigh

ng on a platform of family values. W

or's hand tighten

truly believes in the sanctity of marriage and the importance of

ncourage people

g, and dedicated. These state n

o in love. What

o secrets. Just complete hones

agreed, wan

ever, but it was probably only five m

athroom. I locked myself in a stall and pressed my hands

the table, Castor

d enough for me to hear. "The blue pills, yes. Make sure they're

me. "The driver will take

ving? To go

aid with a cruel smile.

t of anyone watching, and whispered in my e

the crowd, leaving me alone at a table full o