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Ah, Oliver. Her asshole of hopefully-soon-ex-husband. He’s the worst of the worst. Gem became a completelydifferent person, her usual passion for fashion and her self-confidence gone. And then he cheated on her. As soon as she found out, she filed for divorce, but it’s still not through. At least she’s slowly getting back to her old self.

“No, it’s not. At least think about it?” I ask.

A smile teases the corner of her lips. “I’ll think about it.”

She leans back, peering at me with concern.

“So, what are you going to wear?” I paste on another smile.

“I don’t know. What does one even wear on a second date?”

“Something sexy but not too sexy.” I tap my chin. “You want to leave some mystery but also entice him with a glimpse of what’s to come.”

Gemma swats my arm. “I think he already knows what’s there to come.”

“True, but still. What about the backless dress you have? The red one?”

“I’ll think about it.”

She disappears into her room, leaving me alone while I try to distract myself by flipping through the channels on TV, but nothing holds my interest.

Why did he leave? Did I do something wrong? Oh god. Did I use my teeth, and that’s why? But can it be something as simple as that? We could’ve talked about it. I thought we had something special.

I squeeze my eyes shut, clutching a pillow to my chest. Never had a boyfriend. It can’t be them anymore. Something must be wrong with me.

After some hours, I drag myself over to the bathroom, making a quick stop at Gemma’s room, knocking. “Time to get ready for your date with your husband Elijah.”

“He’s not my husband,” Gem shouts back through the door.

Tell yourself that. I smile, heading to the bathroom and turning on the faucet. Steam rises as the tub fills, the familiar scent of lavender bath salts wafting through the air.

Sinking into the scalding water brings a gasp. My muscles go lax against the heat, soothing my ache. I close my eyes, trying to silence the storm of thoughts swirling through my mind.

How he felt and guided me. It was safe and comfortable, and the blindfold enhanced every whisper and touch. He made me feel beautiful. Special. Like I mattered, much like the affirmations at the end of a nurturing yoga session. To be honest, I prefer him.

I lower myself deeper into the water.

How could he do this? Leave like nothing happened, like I meant nothing?

The bittersweet ache between my legs is the only evidence I have left of Chris, the man I thought I knew, the man I foolishly believed wanted me as much as I wanted him.

A fantasy.

The tears come again, harder this time, wracking sobs that steal my breath. For once, I just want to fall apart.

Chapter 4

Mary

I dread joining them, but there’s no escaping it now. The vipers’ nest—weddings, babies, gossip. I’d very, very much rather be anywhere else. Taking a deep breath, I force my legs forward even though every fiber of my being protests.

“Morning, everyone.” I stop in front of the table where my sister, mother, and her friends sit every Saturday for brunch.

“Good Morning, Darling. Did you just wake up?” My mother’s gaze sweeps over me, no doubt taking in my simple shift dress, flats, and messy bun.

“I was up early for yoga, actually.” I restrain from smoothing my hair. “Didn’t have time to get fully ready before coming here.”

“I see.” My mother’s eyes stay cool. She turns to the waiter, who appears at her elbow. “The usual for Mary, please.”

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