My mother sat alone at her vanity, taking the ring off and putting it back on, over and over. At dawn, she looked at her pale reflection, tossed the ring into her jewelry box, and messaged her parents.
She didn't want the Bennett family to endure any more gossip. She invited both families and their friends back to the hotel so she could end the relationship in front of everyone.
The hall buzzed with speculation. The older guests still thought she was about to announce that the engagement was back on.
Nathan hurried toward her when she appeared.
"Claire, I made a mistake. I let Vanessa get her claws into me."
He dropped to his knees in front of everyone, trying to use the crowd to pressure her into forgiving him.
"She made up those vicious plans she told you about because she couldn't
