The Day I Chose Differently

racked, a hairline fract

, what are you

arm, a gesture that made my stomach

jesting, Seraphina," Le

my gaze fixed on Seraphina.

quickly masked. "CJ? That... tomboy? Ethan, yo

For you? Or for the Vanderbilt im

"That's unfair. I only ever

ed. "And for your family

iled as

innocent eyes, claiming undying affection while her family' s debts mysteriously vanis

' d fallen for her. It

a whirlwind of motion, scattering the bullies. I' d only caught a glimpse of a figure, swift and brave. Later, Seraphina had been nearby, loo

e. A complet

ts manipulative softness. "About the gala, and the Sta

y n

ring a secret, "everyone knows it was always meant for me. If you

no 'us,' S

ave conditions for my... well, for my continued social acqu

hed. Conditio

u, Seraphina. Except for

than, old man, you seem overwrought. Perhaps you bumpe

h. "I've never been cl

carrying a tray of drinks, sending champagne and canapés flying. He stumb

o exclaimed, clutching his own arm dramat

"Leo! Are you alright? Ethan, how could

ng out. Leo the victim, Seraphina his staun

d have apologized, fusse

anym

said, my voice cold. "And he bumped

"Look at him, he's in pain! You're just being cruel because yo

ience

u," I said, my voice low and dan

tone. Leo' s eyes held a flic

a muttering about my sud

t it was nothing compared to the ache of mem

as around, always resulting in Seraphina blaming me, draw

ript would have a