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How did I know this? I knew because I had just tried to bid on it a feeeks ago, during Fashion Week, only to be told it had already been purchased The owner allowed it to be displayed and not walked I offered ht it; they declined She’d even customized it more; it was now pleated in the sides…which meant they added more material to it and a little bit above her knees, which meant they had cut it

Oh…I didn’t knohy I was so pissed But I was I loved that dress I wanted it badly How in the hell?

And as if she needed to stand out more, on the breast of it she had military medals and honors—she’d poked pins into the material—and it looked nice She looked better than nice Her long hair was down in waves over her shoulders She wasn’t just beautiful or dignified but al It was only when Ethan stepped up beside her wearing a navy, sliray waistcoat, did I realize my mistake It wasn’t like she was royal…they were

“Good , everyone,” she said

As she came down the stairs, I saw her white puold She walked directly towardmine, and just like that, the world fell silent, and that fear crept back slowly

“I’izes” Translation, she wanted it here and now, in front of everyone

I had to inhale to push the feelings back down my throat before I shook ht I’m sorry about how I acted the other day I was out of line, and it won’t happen again”

A grin spread across her face, and it was not sweet or kind but

Kill me now

“Apology accepted” She nodded and turned fro to O’Phelan, who came to her with a small tray of lily floithout the stem “Today is November 7th, also known as Giorno dell 'Unità Nazionale e Festa delle Forze Armate—the National Unity and Armed Forces Day Those who did not serve show their respect by wearing the flower of Italy…the lily We’ll be going to a church service for the fallen and then brunch today for the veterans,” she said

Taking one of the flowers, she ry hawk She lifted his lapel without bothering to ask hi the flower to it O’Phelan passed around the flowers to the rest of us

“What happened to your face?” Wyatt asked Ethan, pointing at a cut over his eyebrow

“He slipped,” Calliope answered, clearly lying

“Really? Like he soo?” Wyatt pressed, looking to between them both

“Ethan, I think your brother thinks you are a victirumbled