Lori White had boldly declared her romantic relationship with James Lancaster before the entire crowd, and with James offering no denial, Amara Green felt irritation simmer—though she couldn't care less about Lori herself.
Coolly, she remarked, "I was merely making an offhand comment, Miss White. Why the desperate explanation? Could it be... a guilty conscience?"
Lori, who'd never met anyone more audacious than herself, seethed with anger. But before she could retort, James shot her a glance. "The ceremony's about to begin. Let's find our seats."
Immediately obedient, Lori nodded and clung to James's arm as they walked away.
From a distance, Clara Green watched their intimate display, a sharp sting of loneliness piercing her. If possible, she wished she could vanish into thin air right
