She's Dead, But I'm The One Punished
found herself standing before an ornate mirror in one of the Arquett
k fabric hugged her frame, the high neckline adding a touch of sophistication, while the long sleeves gave her an air of quiet rest
was designed to project the im
, she
oor pulled her f
me
ored charcoal suit that fit him with effortless precision. He
er it was time, but instead, he lingered
tated, as if searchin
ched a brow.
but the amusement didn't r
ore bitter than amused. "You re
them with an ease that sent an involuntary shiver
aze. "No, it's
in his ja
said after a pause. "And for toda
head slightly. "And wh
nreadable, but his voice
d reminder of what this was
ing an invisible crease on her dr
ookshelves and portraits of generations past. A long table was set up at the front, microphones neat
ook at her, didn't acknowledge her, but his hand rested lightly on the
composed, her lips curved int
seated at Lucian's right, her posture flawless. She offered Al
g his throat. "Good afternoon, everyone. Thank
, anticipation t
nce the union between Lucian Arquett
kept her smile in place, though her f
ow, the Arquette family holds tradition and legacy in the highest regard. This marriage i
ent to th
. Not to co
t d
mediately fi
how did the t
sitated. "Throug
t diplomat
"Mrs. Arquette, was th
nership is built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared g
es. But she didn
ed toward her, a subt
t, "some sources claim that you had no
ir te
y against the table. "Circumst
y controll
r of something else beneath his
n answered with the ease of a man used to public scrutiny, while Alessandra mirrored
's voice cut through the air
s that your late wife, Vivienne Laurent, is still the love of your life.
le
meras seeme
t she didn't turn to Lucian. Instead, she ke
ession remain
voice smooth, controlled. "Alessandra is my wif
e that left no room f
d ever so slightly against th
soon after, the tension lingerin
lone, Alessandra turne
w tigh
'll always be comp
ook at her. "It
ugh there was no humor in it. "It doe
hand through his hair. "I won't
ready am,
e was answ
e diamond bracelet on her wrist. "The
ly turne
in another w
g in Lucian's cold exterior seemed to crack. A
quickly, i
ood," he
dn't shake the feeling that she was sta