Chapter 93 Ninety-three

• Maria
• The rain strikes the massive window, and each drop reminds me of the storm I'm facing alone. The room feels too small with the drapes closed, so I leave them open to let the storm outside keep me company. The room flashes each time the lightning strikes, and I shiver. I feel cold, even though it's warm inside.
• I can't stop thinking about Mikhail—and what I want to tell him. But I can't. Even if he loves me, I can't. I fidget with the hem of my dress, trying to find the words to express the gnawing feeling inside me ever since Mikhail showed me our rings.