Chapter 40

• Howard’s voice was sharp, almost dripping with sarcasm. “Hate? You think I’m madly in love with you? You don’t even understand what hate means. Believe me, the hatred I have for you is three times more than the hatred you feel for me.”
• For a moment, the room was heavy with silence, stifling and thick enough to choke on.
• Charlotte moved toward the mirror and gently placed the bouquet down on the dressing table. “You don’t need to stay,” she said softly. “Once your mother brings the dress, I’ll change and go back downstairs to your grandfather. After that, you won’t have to tolerate my presence anymore.”