Ember's POV
I dropped the tray of drinks when I saw him walk in.
Crystal glasses crashed to the floor, sending champagne everywhere. The golden liquid spread across the community center like spilled tears.
"Ember!" Maya rushed over with a towel. "Are you okay?"
I couldn't answer. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't do anything but stare at Cade as he walked into his own engagement party.
He looked terrible. His eyes were red, and he moved like someone had beaten him up. But he was here. He was actually here.
Which meant I meant nothing to him after all.
"I'm fine," I lied, grabbing the towel from Maya.
"No, you're not. You look like you've seen a ghost."
Maybe I had. The ghost of everything I'd hoped for.
"Just help me clean this up," I said.
Maya knelt down beside me, picking up broken glass. "You don't have to work tonight, you know. I can cover for you."
"I need the money."
"Ember..."
"I said I'm fine."
She was surprised at my sharp tone. I felt bad immediately.
