Maddy's POV
The applause was still ringing in my ears long after the cameras stopped flashing.
For a few seconds, I just stood there — smiling, dazed, my hand trembling in Nate's. The weight of the diamond on my finger felt surreal, almost too heavy to be real. I had noticed how Max had stormed out, leaving Alissa. The look on their faces should have made me feel like karma had been served, but now? I didn't care how either of them felt; all I could think of was being with Nate. The way he made me feel was something that I knew I could not deny or hide away from forever, especially now that we were living together and 'engaged' even if it was for the public's eyes.
When the last of the congratulations faded and the maître d' whisked away the press with practised efficiency, the
