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Was she being ungrateful, behaving in this way? She had a right to have doubts, didn’t she?

The elevator dinged once it reached the top, and Steph released the breath she’d been holding as she stepped into the hallway A wave of exhaustion washed over her, then; walking all over the city, jet lag, and a new time zone made for a bad combination, and without Mehdi to distract her she suddenly felt as though she could curl up on the floor and fall asleep right there

With heavy steps, she made her way to the door She leaned forward on her toes and slid the key gently into the lock The light turned froreen, and when she opened the door, there was a loud clap that echoed across her nerves The door groaned as she slowly pushed it forward, stepping in and closing it quickly to keep out the light

Steph tiptoed into the living roolow frohtly as she could, staying on her toes as she lad to have chosen one across the way from her parents

She was nearly at her bedrooht clicked on behind her and she stopped cold She turned slowly to see heron to the lahter

Staring back defiantly at herbut brave Still, she had to defend herself for once in her life, for if she didn’t do it now, shea deep breath, she said the one thing she had thought she’d never have the courage to say

“I’ married tomorrow”

SIX

Steph

Elora’s stare was unaze She had never been able to stand up to her mother The woman was a stone hen she wanted to be

“Come sit down, Stephanie Let’s have a talk”

While her voice was even and calm, her tone sent lava-hot fear down Steph’s spine She knew she was in trouble when her mother used that tone

Not knohat else to do, Steph finallyroo at her ell-hidden rage