Chapter 213

• Fern's Perspective
• I stood in the shadows outside the ballroom and took a deep breath. My hands tightened around the hem of my dress as I tried to steady myself. Even though I had long told myself that none of this concerned me anymore, I still couldn't find peace as I stood here, watching the grand banquet that once belonged to Giovanni and me. Every laugh, every cheer, cut into my heart like a blade.
• Has he really forgotten me? I whispered to myself, a flicker of pain flashing in my eyes.