The Engagement's End, A New Beginning

Tonight was supposed to be the most important night of my life, the official announcement of my engagement to Mark Landon.

But as we stood on the dais to make our toast, another woman-Isabel-let out a theatrical cry and crumpled to the floor.

Before I could process what was happening, Mark shoved me. He pushed me aside to get to her, his arm connecting with my shoulder with brutal, dismissive force.

The shove sent me stumbling backward off the platform. I landed hard on the polished marble floor, a collective gasp echoing through the stunned ballroom as my world shattered.