Chapter 66

• Amelia’s POV
• The hall buzzed with chatter and flashes from cameras, but it all seemed muffled to me, like I was trapped in a nightmare. Richard stood at the podium where he accepted the Certificate of Office as the winner of the city councilman election. My family and I now stood in the back, trying to blend into the shadows, hoping no one would notice us. The shame was almost unbearable.
• Applause and congratulations directed at Richard, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. His face was plastered with that smug smile I used to find charming. Now, it was a bitter reminder of the mistakes I'd made.