The Crimson Facade

The open velvet box sat on the living room counter, gleaming under the warm ceiling lights.

Daphne smacked Vivienne’s arm with a sharp smack of her palm, her jaw practically on the floor. "Shut up! You have got to be kidding me!"

"I swear it doesn't feel real, Daph. Not even a little." Vivienne pressed the pads of her fingers against the corners of her eyes, catching the wet heat before it coul