Chapter 4

The cramped hall was jammed with people, packed so tight the air felt thin.

Everyone kept chiming in, cutting each other off—nobody could get a word in edgewise.

It was enough to make me want to scream.

"Emily, the fifth of next month is the perfect date for the wedding. What do you think?" Richard called out.

He kept calling my name until I finally answered.

I scanned the room, looking at the crowd of Lane relatives. They were putting on quite a show, feigning deep concern over the arrangements. I gave a noncommittal hum, making no effort to mask…