Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

After dinner, Sylvia stood up, ready to leave, but Reese gently slipped her arm through Sylvia's.

"Sylvia, why are you suddenly marrying Yves? I thought you and my brother..."

"No, you got it wrong," Sylvia cut her off, not wanting Lester dragged into this

mess.

Reese looked around, then pulled Sylvia aside, lowering her voice. "Look, Yves is a decent guy, but his mom? Not so much. You can't just look at the man-you need to check out the whole family. You should think this through. I mean, you could do way better-someone like my brother or even Mr. Rupert. You're not exactly lacking in options, you know?"

Sylvia felt a sharp pang inside.

Sometimes, she wished Reese would just flaunt her perfect life, give Sylvia a reason to hate her or at least keep her distance. But Reese's confidence, her ease, just highlighted how out of place Sylvia truly was.

Kids who grow up wrapped in love-they get praised even if their petals are a little uneven. What others call "showing off" is just Reese's normal.

Sylvia pressed her lips together, swallowed the bitterness, and forced a calm smile, nodding.

She couldn't even remember what Reese said next.

After they said goodbye, Yves called out to her.

"Sylvia, I've looked into everything about you. Just behave yourself and get ready to marry me I'll treat you right."

don't seem to like me at all, why'd you agree to marry

his voice rough. He stepped closer, his shadow looming over her, eyes dropping down. "Guess it's...

and walked off to the parking

the restaurant, Yves' words echoing in her ears. The night air suddenly turned cold, sending a shiver down

pulled her coat tighter and started looking

beside her. The window slid down halfway, revealing the sharp,

"Get in."

walking. The car slowed to match

You dying

matchmaking dinner went? It

you to

Rupert

now, Mr. Rupert?" she shot back, rolling

his car blocked her path, she spun off into

thought she'd lost him. No such luck-he got out and caught up in

grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a narrow

old brick building was

ivy, its age worn into

her free, but Rupert pinned her the corner.

eyes were dark and dangerous, his handsome

her down, voice low and tense. "Talk. I've got all night if you want to