A Bittersweet Toast

Valerie’s POV

The night was going amazing, just like I had planned. Arthur stood beside me, one hand resting lightly on my lower back as he greeted guests. He looked handsome in his black suit, calm and proud, his smile easy in a way mine had not been all day.

And Maddox… he was here. He had hugged me. Forgiven me. Given me the necklace that now rested against my throat, the tiny pendant with our