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Chapter One

Violet

Tonight, e

In preparation for it, I spent all day at the spa Treated e, wax, ers and toes are painted a perfect demure pink My muscles are relaxed and loose, but my brain …

My brain is jumpy My stomach is a mess of nerves My outward appearance is the exact opposite ofI’ve strived toward these last few years is coht

Finally

I found a dress to wear for this special o at Barneys, one I knew Zachary would approve of A navy-blue sheath, it hits just above the knee and skims overovert Obvious

Meaning he hates everything my older sister wears, does, says He doesn’t much approve of the way my blunt baby sister acts, either

But that’s fine He’s going to ask ht Not Lily or Rose

Me

There’s nothing obvious about me I’m the epitome of understated I wouldbehindthe pleasant smile I’ve mastered over the years There have been a few slipups in the past I struggled once Fought for my life, really, and survived

My father and grandmother like to pretend none of that ever happened Zachary doesn’t even know about it It’s a moment in ti

It’s so ugly, Violet, Father told et?

So I try For the family

Zachary arrives at ht on time because heaven forbid he’s ever late One of the htful, efficient, handso Others call him cutthroat Rumors swirl that there are other woht have even been confired, e’re married …

That will change It has to

Zachary and I have a perfect relationship The sort of relationship I’d dreairl One that Lily mocks constantly, but what does she know about love?

Sex and addiction and getting into trouble, she knows plenty But love? I don’t think she’s had a real relationship in her life