But he would run into Kay's arms, cuddle up to her, let her attend parent-teacher conferences as his mother.

I let out a hollow laugh.

"Fine. It's all my fault. I'll apologize to Miss Pruitt."

I bowed deeply to Kay—ninety degrees—biting the inside of my cheek so hard I tasted blood, just to keep the tears from falling.

Joel stared at the blood pooling on the floor and found a bandage.

I pulled away before he could touch me and applied it myself.

Johnny muttered that this was boring and dragged Kay off to play with his toys.

Joel assumed I was sulking. His voice softened, coaxing.

"We're setting off fireworks later. I'll let you stand closer to Johnny."

Inside my pocket, my fingers tightened around the good-luck charm I'd planned to give Johnny for the new year.

I nodded.

The New Year's Eve dinner was a picture of family warmth.

Joel had arranged for me to sit closest to Johnny.

I treasured every second, trying to etch his face into my memory.

Johnny noticed my intense gaze and angrily threw down his chopsticks.

Old Mrs. Gilbert rushed to comfort him, blowing gently on his hand.

"Sweetheart, did you hurt yourself?"

Johnny burrowed into her arms and pointed at me, shrieking.

"Grandma, that beggar keeps staring at me! She's so gross I can't even eat!"

Old Mrs. Gilbert turned her disgusted gaze toward me.

I tugged my mask tighter, terrified of being recognized and thrown out. In my panic, I dropped to my knees.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I was just worried the young master might not be used to tonight's dishes."

Kay rose with a bowl of chicken soup and gently patted Johnny's head.

"We mustn't lose our temper like that. Our Johnny is a well-mannered boy, isn't he?"

Johnny huffed but kept glaring at me with pure venom.

Old Mrs. Gilbert gave Kay an approving look, then seemed to remember something and turned to Joel with a weary sigh.

"Look at Kay—graceful, cultured, educated abroad—and she's willing to be your devoted partner. Then look at that country bumpkin you dragged home. You'd be a laughingstock if anyone saw her. If she had any shame at all, would she have clung to you for ten years without so much as a title?"

Joel glanced at me instinctively.

I lowered my eyes, the hurt settling deep.

I had no idea she despised me this much.

Joel's smile faded. His voice carried a note of reproach.

"Mom, if it weren't for Mary, I might not have made it back alive."