Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Did she really have such a kind heart?

A salesgirl approached Sylvia. "Ms. Lloyd? This way, please."

"Thanks."

Sylvia set down her cup of coffee and stood up right away. She just wanted to get out of this suffocating room as quickly as possible.

She followed the salesgirl into a small changing room tucked behind the main boutique.

Through the heavy curtain, the girl pointed at the clothing rack inside, her tone indifferent. "Ms. Lloyd, take your pick."

Sylvia flipped through the dresses. They were all in garish colors-neon greens, blinding pinks, fire-truck red. Every single dress was either backless or had a plunging neckline.

She could only assume the brand's weirdest party dresses had ended up in this

corner.

Trying to keep her patience, she asked, "Do you have anything else?" The salesgirl rolled her eyes and looked away, pretending not to hear. Sylvia scoffed inwardly. Of course Bridget wouldn't let her off that easily.

She decided not to play along. "I'm not going to wear any of these. If you don't bring me something else, I'll take these out to Tristan and see what he thinks of your 'expert' taste as a senior sales associate. Do you think he'll appreciate you trying to ruin his son and daughter-in-law's wedding?"

The salesgirl's jaw tightened. "Just wait here!"

She stormed out through the back door of the changing room.

dropped her gaze, and

but when she looked up in the mirror, she

Rupert.

quickly looked away and

his arms before she could even protest. His lips found hers in

was waiting in her wedding

shove him

her ear, his

waiting for him to

her for a heartbeat, then kissed

her hand to slap him, but he caught her wrist,

foggy prints

bet

as their bodies heated up the cramped

tightly, pressed so close she could barely breathe

pull

his

chest.

voice drifted

are you ready yet? Do

at Rupert, panic

go, lingering just long enough to brush his fingers

the baby, Sylvia had fallen and scraped herself badly Even after