Chapter 385

• By noon, the first of the public events began. Her aunt, once proud of her niece, could barely meet Aggie’s eyes in public. The whispers were harsh, the judgment sharp. It was her suggestion, her plan that backfired.
• “How could you?” one woman asked, her voice was low but cutting. “Stealing a man from your own family?” she continued.
• Aggie’s hands shook as she walked through the crowded garden during the wedding reception. Every head turned to look at her. Every eye judged. Every whisper burned. She had wanted admiration, envy, and respect—but instead, she felt only shame.