Chapter 19: A Fierce Refusal

Chapter 19: A Fierce Refusal

The corridor was dim, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows across the stone walls. Elyse stormed toward Emma, her silk gown hissing with every furious step. Her sapphire eyes burned, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, not from the wine or the dance, but from the sting of humiliation.

Leroy had left her stranded in the dance floor, his golden hair disappearing into the crowd as noblewomen smirked behind their fans. She could still hear their whispers, sharp as needles, pricking at her pride. Where was he? She’d searched every corner, and still, he eluded her.

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