Chapter 200

Maybe at some point, Lena Carter and Henry Smith had stood here just as happy, surrounded by well-wishers. Maybe deep down, I’d already seen this moment coming, like some messed-up déjà vu. So I wasn’t as crushed as I thought I’d be. I sat through the whole thing cool and detached, even though breathing felt a bit tricky. At least I didn’t pass out right then and there. I kept wondering, was Henry forced into this? Did Marilyn Gray use Evan Smith to pressure him into this engagement with Vera Clark? But no matter how I tried spinning excuses for him, the moment he said yes and gave in to his mom—it was more than enough to make me back off. Just like Jason Smith said—even if Henry won back Evan, he’d still have to marry the new “stepmom.” “You don’t look too surprised,” Jason leaned in close, his voice laced with amusement like he was enjoying the show. I shot him a glare. “Too bad your little weapon, Andrew Anderson, isn’t here to stab me in the back this time.” Jason chuckled, then tw