Chapter 1 - The Quiet Sky
Lucy Hale stood quietly beneath a crystal chandelier so enormous it bathed the entire ballroom in warm light.
Around her, polished marble reflected glittering gowns and expensive tuxedos. Crystal glasses clinked softly as wealthy guests laughed over champagne and bourbon. White roses decorated every table, and a string quartet filled the room with elegant music.
No one paid much attention to the little girl standing alone beside the dessert display.
Lucy held a small glass of orange juice in both hands.
Her pale-blue dress was embroidered with tiny flowers along the hem, and soft curls framed her face. Earlier that morning, Nora had carefully helped her get ready.
"You'll look just like the summer sky," she'd told her.
Lucy had smiled then.
She wasn't smiling anymore.
From across the ballroom, Nora noticed the change immediately.
Every time an adult walked past, Lucy lowered her eyes.
She had always been a shy child.
Tonight felt different.
Her shoulders were tense, and she gripped the glass so tightly her knuckles had turned white.
She looked like she was trying to disappear.
Nora started walking toward her.
Before she reached her daughter, Celeste Arden intercepted Lucy.
Dressed in a shimmering silver gown, Celeste glided confidently through the crowd. Diamonds sparkled at her ears, and her perfectly styled blond hair hadn't moved all evening.
There was plenty of room to walk around the little girl.
Instead...
At the last second, Celeste deliberately stepped sideways.
Her shoulder slammed into Lucy.
The child staggered.
May you like
Her hands flew upward.
The orange juice slipped free.
