The Heiress's Forbidden Love

ace like a prelude to chaos. The hushed murmurs of the guests did little to hide the mounting tension, and the soft

of the heavy weight of eyes upon her. Her heart hammered painfully in her chest, each beat a harsh reminder of the nightmar

e broke the fr

ulian Sinclair's words sliced through the tens

Or, at least

e judge, positioned perfectly to watch the unraveling of Serena Lancaster. The crow

ally the epitome of grace, stood rigid, her fingers trembling around her wine glass. He

rced her voice to remain steady. "Jul

, too polished. "Oh, Serena," he said, the words dripping wi

ot in her wor

l, spreading through t

done somethin

a Sinclair even

hat he'd humilia

amed to flee. She clutched the fabric of her gow

continued, his voice oozing insincerity. "Serena and I-" He si

filled the air, and the murmurs beca

isted, her fingers

wasn'

g now, his every step like a deliberate performa

ray

ut her voice faltered. "Julia

rowd, his voice rising to a crescendo. "You think you've fou

s breat

he scandal to unfold, as if waiting for the

. "Tell me, Serena, how long were you planning on keepin

gripped her heart. "

p and dismissive. "Don't insult my intelligence. We all know you were

he floor beneath he

ispered, her voice bare

r, savoring the moment. Then, with the final twist,

ever meant to inherit the Lancas

shake with the sh

est tighten

, louder now, lik

gasped, their voice thick with scan

urmured, "She's nothing w

down on her until she felt like she might collapse. Bu

gh he'd just made a simple announcement. "That's all, folk

h, too sharp. The crowd did

She couldn't think straight, couldn't breathe as the su

s the room, she

n Sin

a shadow, he didn't move, didn't blink. He just watched, his eye

d-what? Help? Sympathy? But she knew bet

er mind. "Serena," he said, his tone devoid

ncern. Just disappr

another glance. She wouldn'

exit, but not before casting on

e didn'

n't lo

ply wa

't understand, that was th