Chapter 8

Today is the day I'm sending my wedding invitations. To Lucy. To Daniel. And to the parents who left me bleeding and missing on what was supposed to be my happiest day.

I stood in front of the mirror, curling the last strand of my hair. It fell in soft dark waves down my shoulders. My makeup was light but sharp, a clean liner, defined brow, and lips the color of wine. I looked at myself, really looked, and for the first time in a while... I didn't look broken. I looked like someone new.

Someone cold and someone ready.

I picked up the cream-white envelope from the vanity and slid it into my purse. I had three copies. One for each of them.

I stepped out of the room and found Benjamin waiting by the door. He wore black pants and a dark blue shirt, sleeves rolled up. As always, calm. Collected. His eyes gazed over me slowly.

"You look beautiful," he said.

"Good," I replied. "That's the point."

He smir