For a moment after Celeste spoke, the hall went quiet in a strange, heavy way. Music stopped. The bow of a violin hovered over the strings and did not move. People turned in their seats and then turned again to make sure they had heard correctly.
Celeste stood straight at the front of the hall. Her voice had been calm. Her words had been simple. She had said the engagement was canceled. That was all.
Whispers rose and fell like a low wind. “Did she say canceled?" “Now? Here?" “But the lilies—" “Wasn't Blair wearing the same dress?" Cameras came up. Some guests tried to hide their phones. Most did not bother.
Marcus's face changed color. He looked at Celeste as if she had struck him. “Enough," he said under his breath, and then louder, “Celeste, don't joke. This is not the time."
“I am
