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She lied tome.
Nothing’s as simple as it was ten minutes ago, when all I wanted was to find solace inher.
“Ben.”
“What?” I snap at the sound of Xavier's voice at my back, forgetting to tone it down for mypartner.
“They’re about to call your name. You need to give aspeech.”
I hear them announce the award that Iwon.
As I adjust my collar and head back into the room, I can’t even find satisfaction in Holt’s stunned expression, the fact that Iwon.
All I feel isnumb.
26
Ican’t speak.Can’t move. Can’t do anything but watch as Ben walks away fromme.
"I love you. And right now, I wish Ididn't."
Eventually, I hear his voice at the microphone and drag my feet toward the doorway as he gives his speech. His words echo dully in myears.
The importance of vision. Integrity. Takingrisks.
Applause greets him when he finishes his remarks, and he takes the crystal statue back to thetable.
I run outside for some air. The cool night washes over me, and I perch on the edge of a step as I try to breathe, to forget the betrayed look on Ben’sface.
It’s worse than what I pictured if he ever found out. A thousand timesworse.
“Daisy.”
A familiar voice has me looking up. I rise, smoothing my dress down with a hand. “Aiden.”
“Did you see my father inthere?”
“No." I can't find a smile, but I force myself to suck in a breath. "I’m looking forward to meeting with him about the resortcollection.”
It’s a lie, but maybe next week I’ll feel like it again. It’s the one thing I have to focus on rightnow.
Aiden’s expression seems more perturbed than usual. “This resort collection?” He pulls out his phone and holds itout.
I take it, studying the screen. Without asking permission, I flick through the images. There’s new branding, a tagline,everything.
“It’s done.” Disbelief echoes in myvoice.
“You never had a shot. He strung you along to get your help with the wedding PR. It’s why I try to stay as removed from him, and it, as possible. If it makes you feel better, my father useseveryone.”
I’m gutted. Empty.Ruined.
Every choice I’ve made, every sacrifice this past month—more than—was fornothing.
“Why are you tellingme?”
“Because you’ve always been direct with me in a way most people aren’t. And because I appreciate what you said to me earlier, about making something real from something fake.” He shoves his hands in his pockets. “It’s not true. But I appreciate thesentiment.”
My eyesburn.
