The Heiress Escape

of her bruised skin. The fabric clung to her body, suffocating her li

es. A high neckline. A perfect disguise. If no

st of the woman she used to be. The makeup masked the br

Last night's torment. This morning's humili

e shattered

n here,

tri

like a blade, slicing through

r handbag, fingers tightening around

shed with their tasks, their movements efficient and practiced. Meanwhile, s

e your own appearance, could you? You are nothing but a disgrace. You can't even

ing behind her eyes. She felt so small, so insignificant und

nce. Finish your makeup and

sharp reminder of ever

avy. There was no point in arguin

applying the makeup, masking the red flush on her cheeks. The p

rice was already seated in the back. Her fin

er. The silence stretched b

e's thoughts drifted. What happened to the

ah and Charles always did? Hand in hand. Sm

st friend. Back in high school, they had

nue. Suzanne stepped out an

laughter, and the soft clinking of glasses.

iar faces. Too

he saw

arah. Walking

tely. Low whispers, but lou

they?" A woman in an emerald d

nstead of... well, you know," the other woman tra

good, taking in that orphan girl. Everyone knew she wasn't suited for

er," another woman whispered, giggling behind her hand. "S

ed into fists. Her nai

hs. But each word felt lik

But to hear it so openly, so carele

id loudly, making sure everyone heard, "som

ppled throu

ch twisted. The

her shoulders

let them se

toward Sarah. Her steps were steady

mile, pretending the night wasn't fil

to Suzanne's face. Con

y?" Sarah as

se. She quickly turned her head to the

h wasn't

t, haven't you?"

's hear

answer. Not here. Not

knew her

peak, a presence s

ar

his hand in hers. C

ked, her min

usband. Together in a way that s

s be that way betw

ne?" Charles asked. His voice

k at her the

affection. J

p at him, her

en them. Something Suzann

ly tonight, Sarah." Her eyes gleamed with admiration. B

poised. So well-behaved. You trul

ear. So was the i

smile

kered acro

. The sharp pang of naus

ating tension. The pitying glances. The c

ll," Suzanne mutter

rely making it to the bathroo

he sink, her

urned h

together-her marriage, her dign

eaked open

followed. "What on eart

't answer. S

d. "Always with

r opene

ay?" Sarah's voice w

didn't

hed pas

mbled. Her vi

after her. "Where do y

t do this anymore,

ice cr

didn't

ckled. The

top it, darkness s