Chapter 36
The morning after the reception arrived with far less ceremony than the event itself. Brielle woke to the smell of coffee and the murmur of voices drifting up from downstairs. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting pale bands across the floor. She lay still for a moment, listening to the familiar rhythm of conversation below. Grandpa was arguing about something. Grandma was disagreeing with him. Some things, apparently, never changed. Smiling, she climbed out of bed. The dress from the reception had already been packed away, and without it the room looked ordinary again. No garment bag hung from the wardrobe. No silver embroidery caught the morning light. It was simply her room once more, and the familiar simplicity felt reassuring after the grandeur of the previous evening. Br
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