Austin's POV

The banquet hall shimmered with gold light and quiet chatter, but all I could see was Ruby.

She stood near the entrance with John, their expressions tight. They were clearly arguing. Then, after a moment, she slipped her arm through his and walked in as if nothing had happened.

My grip on the wine glass tightened until I felt the cold stem dig into my palm.

Mother caught the movement. “You’re not getting any younger,” she said softly, pretending to fix her hair. “It’s ...