A bride's broken dreams

pte

ick said, his gaze

u finding

how to answer. It's... overw

ul. I'm not sure I've ev

d that was both warm and

e job. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, though. Would you like t

encouraging nod. That sounds nice, she

ballroom. The gardens were illuminated by soft lights, casting a romantic glow over the neatly trimmed h

r, she said, smili

t light. I thought you might like it. It's easy to

were away from the crowd. It's a beautiful place

t the balustrade, his

stage. Everyone expects something from you, and you

ked at him

rds that she hadn't expected. That

was a trace of weariness

price of privil

ire found herself drawn to Kendrick in a way she hadn't anticipated. Beneath the poli

out here, she said after

e, warm smile that made her hear

rom the others, Clai

her head. I'm not sure if

eet are either too busy trying to impr

. you're

spent most of the evening feeling like an outsider, but now,

Harold, Kendrick's mother, making her way towards them. She was an elegant woman, with a commanding presence that

er voice smooth and cultured. I see y

with Claire giving way to a more formal demeanor.

r appearance. Claire felt a shiver of nervousness under the older

you, Mrs Harold, Claire

so. Likewise, she replied, though her tone was cool. You have i

klace around her neck. She opened her mouth to than

m not mistaken. Only a handful of people have p

ve, but she hadn't realized it was so rare. She could

trying to keep her voi

I see, the person most have an excellent taste. I'm sure the

ing the weight of the situa

uite an impre

osure replied. I'm glad to hear th

though I must admit, I'm always curious when someone new ent

art pounding in her chest but she managed to keep her expression neu

d trust is a valuable commodity in our circle. I like to believe I'm

ced, was this ve

se that Mrs Harold was testing her, trying to determine if she

aire is my guest for the evening. I'd appreciate it

h there was still a glint of curiosity in her ey

ffering a small, polite smile. I hope you enjoy the r

erves frayed from the encounter. Thank yo

eath she hadn't realized she was holding. Kend

,he said quietly. Sh

hough she still felt a bit s

about it. Let's go back inside. There's more to th

ck into the ballroom, she couldn't shake the feeling that was