I looked toward Daniel, hoping for some reassurance, but he only glanced at me quickly and then looked away.

The air suddenly felt too thick to breathe. I slipped out quietly, my heels clicking against the marble floor, and pushed open the side doors to the garden.

The night air was cool, but my cheeks were hot with humiliation. I leaned against the stone railing, blinking back tears.

Why? Why had she singled me out? I had done nothing but try to support them.

“Mom?”

I turned. Noah was there, his little tuxedo rumpled from dancing, his brown hair sticking up in the back. His big eyes searched mine.

“Are you okay?” he whispered.