Ms. Cellinina’s sharp eyes lingered on Kate. “Is that true? How could you stay with someone like him?” she asked, her tone cold, almost pitying.
Kate swallowed, forcing herself to remain calm. “It’s all a misunderstanding. That night… It was our wedding night, but Alex was called away on an emergency mission. That’s why he left, and why we lost contact.”
Ms. Cellinina’s gaze hardened. To her, it sounded less like truth and more like a woman trying to cover her husband’s flaws. “Hmm. Well,” she said finally, voice dripping with judgment, “I just think you deserve better.” With that, she turned, excusing herself to greet other guests.
Kate’s chest burned. She whirled on Tracy, anger flashing. “What was that? Why are you doing this to me?”
Tracy smirked, her voice loud enough for others n
