ASHLEY’S POV
The ballroom feels brighter when I walk back in, but maybe it’s just because my head is still spinning from what I saw outside.
Melissa’s face, filled with guilt, won’t leave my mind.
Who was that man? Why did she look so desperate? Why were they talking about money?
I look for Melissa. I see her, pretending like nothing happened, laughing a little too loudly with a group of girls near the dessert table. Our eyes meet for a single heartbeat. She drops her gaze instantly, clutching her champagne tightly.
Fine. If she doesn’t want to talk, I’m not going to force her. Everyone has secrets. Maybe she needs her space.
I draw in a breath and let it go slowly, trying to shake it all off. Kathy struts onto the stage. Everywhere goes silent. The spotlight finds her, and she be
