Chapter 4

Late at night, I lay in bed, tossing and turning, and just couldn't fall asleep.

My mind kept replaying everything from today, including what Ethan said at the hotel, Mom's relentless insistence that I get married, and the haggard face of Emily.

At 3 a.m., I finally gave up on sleep and got up to sit by the window.

The moonlight filtered softly through the curtains, painting dappled shadows on the floor.

I remember when I was little, whenever I felt sad, Mom would hold me close in her arms and softly whisper, "Everything will be okay, sweetheart."

But now,…