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Come in Hugh did, looking resplendent in a suit the very same color as Finch’s. The cut was
subtly different, as Hugh was much taller and bulkier than Finch, but it was clear they matched.
Upon seeing it, Finch’s stomach dropped like he was on one of those dangerous and
frightening carnival rides that popped up in parking lots every summer.
He and Hugh matched.
Hugh had gone out of his way to make sure of it.
Not only had Hugh cared enough about him to book Finch appointments alongside his own,
but he’d put forth the effort to ensure Finch would have something to wear to the ball.
Something that showed the world how much Hugh cared for him. It was as horribly romantic
as it was devastating. If only things could be different.
“You look handsome, Finch,” Hugh said.
“As do you, sir.”
Hugh grinned. “I know. I brought you something.”
The knife in Finch’s gut twisted a little more. “No, sir. I can’t possibly accept another gift.”
“Not a gift. I just made sure these got brought along. Hold out your hand.”
Finch did so, and Hugh dropped something into them. Two things, to be precise. They were
his amethyst cufflinks. Hugh had remembered them. Finch’s heart clenched. “Thank you, sir.”
He deftly attached them to his cuffs.
“Are you ready?” Hugh asked. “George has brought the car around and is waiting for us.”
No,Finch thought. I am most definitely not.
Out loud he said, “Of course, sir,” then held the door to the room open and prepared for the
pain he’d feel later that evening, when he’d give Hugh away to the Disgrace who would put an
end to dreams he never should have had in the first place.
Hugh
By the time they made it home from the spa, Hugh’s lair had been transformed into a fairy-tale
castle. No detail had been overlooked. The front hall had been buffed and polished to a shine.
Clusters of candles housed in glass cylinders lined the stairs, surrounded by lush greenery that
tumbled down the steps like water rushing over rocks, its leaves interspersed with gorgeous
camellia blooms. A chandelier had been installed, and it cast a dim but dreamy light over the
room. Other, less noticeable surfaces had been decorated as well—high-up window ledges
