My Fiancee's Audacious Demand

tworking. This year, it felt like walking into a lion's den. Both Sophia and I were being recogni

. Chloe was flying in later that night;

wing, a slight curve to her belly. They made a point of gr

n say to a group of alumni, loud enough f

mach c

an, seated at a table near the aisle, stuck his foot out. Delibe

asps, then ne

cence. "Oh, clumsy me. So sorry

r, hot and sharp. I wa

n?" I kept my voice low, but t

er, temper, Mike. Can'

respond, Sophia

she hissed. "You'

apped me. Hard.

went silent. The sou

ut the public hum

onlookers, her voice ringing with false indignation

ying the role of the supportive partner. "I

eir feet, my mother's

he imprint of her han

ground to swa

lked out of the gala, leaving my

ght up with m

are you

d. My cheek throbbed.

voice tight with controlled

he image of his mocking

," Dad said, a grim promise in his

ght then, it felt li