Chapter 7 Trapped In The Shadows

• Ariana stood in front of the tall suite door, her fingers trembling as she gripped the slim gold key card Ethan had handed her. Her heart pounded beneath the silk of her sapphire dress—Layla had insisted on it, saying Ethan would love it. It was tighter than anything Ariana usually wore, clinging to every curve. Still, it was their anniversary. She wanted to believe it mattered.
• She swallowed hard and pushed the door open.
• Candlelight flickered along the room’s walls, casting soft glows across rose petals sprinkled on the bed. A bottle of champagne waited chilling in a silver bucket. Her heart lifted slightly, her breath catching in her throat.