Chapter 1 - The Whispers
The heavy tuxedo jacket swallowed Clara’s trembling shoulders.
The scent of cedar and expensive cologne wrapped around her, a sharp contrast to the sour smell of spilled wine.
Julian Sterling did not look back at his fiancée.
He kept his dark, piercing eyes locked on Clara.
“Follow me,” he ordered, his voice echoing in the dead silent ballroom.
Eleanor let out a shrill gasp of pure outrage.
“Julian, where do you think you are going with that nobody?” she shrieked.
He finally turned, his gaze cold enough to freeze the champagne in the glasses.
“The engagement is off, Eleanor.”
The entire room erupted into chaotic gasps and frantic whispers.
Clara felt her heart hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird.
She had just ruined the biggest society wedding of the decade.
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But as Julian led her through the grand mahogany doors, she didn't feel afraid.
She felt safe for the first time in twenty years.
