I needed a moment.
I rushed upstairs and pulled it off charge.
CAMILLA: Just got here, do you want to see the ballroom? It’s all ready.
No.
Yes.
No.
Yes.
No.
ME: Maybe.
Several images came through less than a minute later, and my heart jumped into my throat at the sight of them.
Oh.
The ballroom was beautiful.
The tables that dotted the floor were draped in beautiful white tablecloths, and the centrepieces were stunning floral pieces in shades of purple and white and light pink. Balloons and flower bouquets in the same colours decorated the outer walls, and Evelyn would hate every last bit of it.
My heart screamed in pain.
ME: It looks beautiful.
CAMILLA: You did a great job, Soph.
ME: I just did as I was told.
CAMILLA: You did a great job. Don’t sell yourself short.
I breathed in deeply and went back downstairs. Mum called me when I was halfway down, and she looked over at me when I walked back in.
“Your eggs are ready. Where’s your—what’s wrong?”
“Cam just sent me some photos of the ballroom. I think I might need to unplug today.” I put my phone down as she set the runny eggs and toast in front of me. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, darling.” She gave Dad his plate. “I’m going to take a bath. Please put the dishes near the sink for the dishwasher when you’re done.” She left, and I looked around the kitchen.
“Where’s the dishwasher?” I asked Dad.
He dipped one strip of toast into an egg. “It’s me. I’m the dishwasher.”
I laughed, reaching for my own breakfast.
It was good to be here, no matter the circumstances.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO – HUGO
Save Your Tears
“I wholeheartedly reject this entire thing,” Grandma said, looking around. “Although I would take another slice of that lemon cake.”
“It was good cake,” I agreed.