The next morning, laughter from downstairs pulled me from my sleep.
"The Vaughn family's engagement gifts are here. I heard there is a case of wine aged for 50 years and a set of exquisite jewelry. But the real prize is the pair of bracelets Madam Vaughn chose herself. They are said to be passed down only to the Vaughn family's true daughters-in-law."
Another voice snickered.
"What does that country girl upstairs have that could possibly compare? She grew up in the middle of nowhere, yet she actually thinks she can marry into the Vaughn family?"
My fingers curled tighter around the sheets. I knew that voice. It belonged to my best friend.
Three years ago, her abusive ex-boyfriend had beaten her within an inch of her life. I had rushed her to the hospital, paid for her treatment, and l
