Choosing The Forgotten, Finding My King

lie

ence, thick with unspoken accusations and simmering resen

Through the car window's reflection, I saw her eyes, sharp and calculating, watching me

u truly going through with this? Marrying Kolton? He'

per. "Austen is worried, you know. He thinks you're just doing

nce in the background, a silent reminder of tragedy. Now, I saw his quiet dignity, his sharp mind, his unwavering kindness.

ten has more than enough to worry about himself

undying love. My cold indifference, my refusal to engage in her usual games, threw her off balance. She t

oved you, Kallie! He only wanted the shares! He promised me he would take care of me

ing on my lips. It wasn't the sweet, innocent smile

steel, "why aren't you happy for me? A lonely life

elf-pity. My declaration of freedom, my utter disinterest in Austen's manufactured drama, utterly disarme

aiting on the porch, a smug, triumphant look on his face.

a moment too long. "You must be exhausted. Go straight to bed. I'll come check on you la

nt fabric of my dress. Without a word, I walked past

, a chance to reject me and my emotions again. But I wouldn't give it to hi

me everywhere. The family gossiped, convinced I was still hopelessly in love with Austen, desperate to clin

e," one cousin whispered, ba

sten being with other w

e used to!" a third laughed, recalling my past,