Chapter 45

• The wedding day had finally come — the day Faye and Philip were to marry. The bright hall was filled with laughter, music, and the soft hum of excitement. Guests in fine clothes moved about, taking pictures and greeting one another. Flowers filled every corner, and the air smelled sweet and fresh.
• But in the middle of all that joy, Faye sat quietly in her dressing room. The makeup lady leaned close, carefully applying a soft pink lipstick to her lips. “Almost done, ma’am,” she said kindly.
• Faye didn’t answer. Her eyes were dull and heavy, her thoughts far away. Even in her white gown, shining with small pearls and lace, she looked sad — lost in her own storm.