Scandal of Love by Janelle Daniels Page B

couldn’t even deign Victoria with a response. She had never felt so moved to violence in her life.
    Her dress fisted in her hand. Victoria really deserved a slap. She had changed Sera’s life with one vicious lie. Forced her into a marriage she hadn’t wanted. To a man she didn’t know.
    Good Lord, she had forced Quinton as well. The color leeched from her cheeks. This whole time, Quinton had been innocent. He hadn’t started the rumor after all. He had offered for her, weathered a scandal, even though none of it was true.
    He needed to marry a wealthy bride, but he could have chosen anyone. He hadn’t needed his choice taken from him.
    Stepping up to marry her, he had saved her reputation. The gratitude that flowed through her almost overwhelmed her. But there was something else. Something even more potent that was slowly making its way through her body, wrapping itself around her heart.
    Love.
    She loved Quinton. For a second time, the breath was knocked from her. After everything that had happened, she had finally found love.
    Everything about Quinton filled her soul, causing it to burn with joy. He was just the man she had been looking for: kind, attentive, loyal. She had been a fool. She had wanted to trust him, but had let Victoria’s lie come between them.
    What if Victoria had never confessed? The secret would have been between them for the rest of their lives. Would she have ever realized her love for him if that had happened?
    While Victoria was a viper who went to any lengths to get what she wanted, a part of Sera had to be grateful to her. Without her, she wouldn’t be with Quinton.
    “Sera? Is everything all right?” Aubrey’s voice filled with concern. “You’ve gone deathly pale. Here, sit down. Shall I fetch your father?”
    Sera shook her head, still unable to speak.
    “Can I get you something to drink? Lemonade, perhaps?”
    “Yes,” Sera finally croaked out.
    Turning on her heel, Aubrey quickly made her way to the refreshment table. Sera was grateful for the short reprieve. She needed a few more moments to gather herself together.
    It was fortunate that Sera had been so close to some potted plants when Victoria had confronted her. It gave her the opportunity to fall apart without gathering any attention. With a few deep breaths, Sera stepped out from the potted palm, a smile tight on her face.
    Gasping, Sera stared dumbfounded at the fire shining from the crystals in the chandelier. Was it possible for the room to look so different? Everything was brighter as if thousands of candles had been added to the room. The thick paneled walls shined with a high gloss, enveloping the room with a tart, lemon scent. The music seemed louder, more fluid as the dancers floated across the floor.
    Were these the effects of love?
    She had heard it described like this, that it heightened the senses, but she had thought it rubbish. It was all true.
    “Here, sip this,” Aubrey said, shoving the drink into her friend’s pale hands. Sera took a small drink while Aubrey inspected her face. “There, a little of your color is returning. Would you like to tell me what happened between you and Victoria that caused you to look like a ghost?” Aubrey demanded more than asked.
    With a final sip of the drink, Sera began to feel like herself again. “She confessed that she was the one who started the rumor.”
    “What!” Aubrey shrieked before lowering her voice. “You mean she’s the one that ruined you? There wasn’t even an ounce of truth to it. Why would she have done something so heartless?”
    Sera raised her brow. “This is Victoria we’re talking about.”
    Aubrey didn’t laugh.
    “Okay. Okay.” Sera chuckled, holding up her hands for peace. She was grateful for her friend’s defense. “She wanted me out of the way so that Lord Bromley would focus on her.”
    “She actually said that?”
    Sera nodded.
    “Why was she so certain he would turn toward her after you were ruined? What if he ever found