Page 131 of The Betrothal

Sophie’s shoulders dipped under my hands where I held on to remain upright.

She straightened my gown, her eyes shining with tears.

“I’m so sorry, Izzy,” she gasped. “This is all my fault.”

My fog thinned slightly at the pain in her voice.

“What the hell are you talking about?” I whispered sharply at her, grabbing her arms. “You didn’t do this, I did this!”

She gulped, resisting the tears that threatened to fall.

“I did this, Sophie.” I lowered my voice so even Sophie would barely hear. “I was offered an opportunity. That is what you gave me. And I can never thank you enough.”

Sophie’s jaw slackened with shock. “What?” Her lips moved but barely any sound came.

I shook my head and she nodded. Not now.

Steadily, she guided me out, watching me with worry while I staggered forwards under the weight of the gown and the height of my heels.

“I may need some flat shoes for later,” I suggested.

A loud scoff had Sophie snarling. I gripped her hand to still her reply, but Ester wasn’t finished.

“You deserve nothing. The fact you’re still to marry him is a miracle. You don’t deserve him.”

“Get out.” My voice was quiet but clear.

Ester laughed.

“You think I’m joking?” I channelled my most sinister inner self.

“Oh, you’re not joking.” Her smile was saccharine. “But you have no say.”

She flicked her hair at me like she would have in school.

“I have no say?” I repeated. “You’re right.”

She drew herself taller, sipping champagne.

“But I will have something else,” I continued, careful to enunciate where I was convinced I was slurring. “Access.”

Ester frowned.

“That power you covet, the one Teddy holds, gives me exposure, Ester. A small comment here, a little suggestion there, well, we know how people love a salacious rumour?”

Ester paled, her bravado falling away and I caught Sophie’s smirk before she hid it.

“You wouldn’t,” Ester snarled.

“You think you could even comprehend what I’m capable of right now?” I raised my voice. Ester recoiled and Mother actually clutched her pearls. “Get out!”

Ester launched her glass, the shatter of the crystal against the far wall startling Sophie but not me.

“You’ll regret this, Isabelle.” Ester stormed from the room, doors slamming open in her wake.

Mother simply stared, she didn’t try to hide her disgust with me, and I made no effort to hide mine. When her scowl had no impact she strode after Ester, her calls echoing into the entrance hall.

I was so tired.