In the arms of two sins

Mara's POV

"You have to show your face, Mara. This family won't survive another scandal. Remember whose name you carry."

Camille's words still echoed in my head, not as an advice, but a warning.

Of course she'd say that. It's her daughter's grand engagement party, and the Lawsons never let grief stand in the way of appearances. Philip's funeral had barely faded from memory, yet here we were dressed in gold, pretending the dead didn't exist.

Inside, chandeliers burned too bright, and every face turned when I walked in. Maybe they were searching for another reason to whisper about me. Last time, I was the curse that brought the Lawsons bad luck.

What would it be this time?

"Mara," Camille's voice sliced through the crowd. She approached with a practiced smile. "You made the right choice coming."

Her cheek brushed mine in a polite peck that fooled the cameras, not me.

"People have been asking about you," she whispered. "There are cameras everywhere. Behave accordingly."

Then she pulled back, smiling sweetly for the room. "Let me call Andrea."

While she walked off, I took in the decorations, every inch of the mansion draped in luxury. All for Andrea. I was never treated this way. Not even when Philip was alive. I should hate him for things he did... but he was still my husband.

"Mara!"

I looked up. Andrea was gliding toward me, Camille beside her. And then...

My breath caught.

David.

Standing next to her, smiling faintly. My boyfriend before the situation with Philip happened. The man who once promised me forever.

"Oh God..." The words barely left my lips.

"I didn't think you'd come," Andrea chirped. "Anyways, meet David, my fiancé. David, this is my sister-in-law, Mara."

Her hand curled possessively over his arm. My gaze dropped to the ring on her finger, the same ring he once bought for me.

"Nice to meet you," I managed, though my voice sounded strange in my ears. He said nothing, only looked at me, too long, too deep. I couldn't read the meaning in his eyes, and I didn't want to try.

"Congratulations," I whispered. "Please excuse me."

"Are you leaving already? You just came. Besides, we have a special guest we'll meet soon," Camille cut in.

"Mother, I'm still here," I murmured quickly, forcing a smile before slipping away.

The music was too loud. The laughter too sharp. I headed for the bar, anywhere away from their eyes.

As I waited for my drink, I looked back across the hall. Andrea was glowing, her arm looped through David's as Camille introduced them to a group of socialites. He leaned in, whispered something that made her blush, the kind of smile that once belonged to me.

My throat tightened.

Then, as if sensing me, David turned. Our eyes met for the briefest second. I turned away immediately, heat rushing to my face.

I hated that he could still make me feel anything at all.

I grabbed the glass the bartender