PART 1
Past
Chapter 1
5 years ago
(Nera 19 years old, Kai 29 years old)
Nera
“My dear Nera, you look stunning tonight.” The woman in a dark-red silk gown leans in to give me a quick peck on my cheek. Her heavy perfume invades my nostrils, and I struggle to stifle a cough. “Simply glowing.”
“Thanks.” I manage a smile, one that’s just as fake as the woman’s sentiments.
I got my period yesterday and spent the entire night tossing and turning, unable to sleep because the cramps were killing me. There are dark circles under my eyes that the foundation couldn’t cover, and I’m pretty sure my face is still swollen. We both know I look like a wreck, but no one would ever dare say anything of the kind to Nuncio Veronese’s daughter.
“And I love the blouse you’re wearing,” she continues. “Who
