a

ge champagne, and suffocating wealth. A string quartet played softly in the corner, whi

ry step, a striking contrast to the conservative pastel gowns filling the room. The moment we passed the arched doorway, the coll

He shifted his hand to the small of my back, his broad palm pressing gently through the silk,

ine, sending a pleasant shiver straight down to my toes. I lifted my chin,

bar, a sharp, frantic vo

tha

gh a cluster of guests. Her dark hair was styled into an immaculate updraft

nd Nathan had dumped

noring me. "I drove across town like a maniac! You turned off your phone-you would

k eyes unbothered, his jaw relaxed. He casually picked up two flut

taking a slow sip of his drink

ge of my neckline, over my hips, and down to my heels. Her

r a misunderstanding and pick up some... oversized random woman on the street to replace me at you

guests turned their heads, sipping champagn

he space I occupied. But Nathan remained entirely unfazed. He didn't raise his voice or show a single trac

etting his champagne glass down on a nearby table. "She does ta

than reached into the inner brea

e. A sudden flare of hope crossed her face. "

t a small, heavy

hing out. "I knew it! I knew you brought me here

n't even l

furniture. He turned to face me directly, his dark, quiet eyes locking ont

down onto one knee on the polis

guests stood up from their tables. Across the room, I caught si

eart hammering violently against my ribs, my voic

he velvet box op

ess, three-carat oval diamond threw back brilliant, blind

d shriek behind him. "Nathan! N

long, warm fingers wrapping gently around my tre

g for someone who takes up space in the world without apology." His voice dropped, quieter but still clear. "You're br

alm man kneeling at my feet, feeling the heavy, electric warmth of his hand holding

way too long? Well, I think it's time to