Ivy’s heart felt heavy. Her hand trembled as she gripped her small purse, eyes frozen on the sight she’d just witnessed, Damien’s lips pressed against Evelyn’s.

The world around her blurred; laughter, whispers, and clinking glasses became distant. She didn’t even notice Cassien at first, standing at the edge of the dance floor, watching her reaction with narrowed eyes.

Then, without a word, he reached for her hand. His grip was firm, grounding.

“Ivy,” he said quietly, almost too ...