Seeing the elderly men about to slip into their usual banter, Leah decided it was best not to interrupt now that the marriage alliance had been officially discussed.
"Clarissa and I will leave you both to your leisure. We have important matters to attend to," Leah announced as she rose to her feet.
"Alright," Elder Lucas replied with a dismissive nod.
Clarissa cast one last glance at Zane, who still refused to look her way. She reminded herself not to let his indifference affect her. She hoped that spending more casual time with him might rekindle the bond they once shared.
Following her mother, Clarissa exited the drawing room.
'Clarissa is Mr. Zane's betrothed'
The words echoed in Selina's mind, shattering the last remnants of hope she had been clinging to.
Her half-sister was engaged to the very man Selina had developed feelings for—the man she had even grown intimate with.
