Fragile Longing

by Cora Reilly

“Be selfish for once, Sofia. In this world, we women get so few choices, so little freedom. We have to grasp happiness by the collar and drag it with us. We can’t hope for happiness to jump into our lap. Be selfish. You deserve it.”

Anna was right. I needed to stand up for myself for the first time in years, not just against Danilo, but also against my family. I needed to make them see that while they’d lost Fina without a choice, they’d willingly given me up.

“You must enjoy today. Drink a few glasses of champagne, dance until your feet hurt. Don’t give a damn about Danilo, groom or not. If he can’t see how beautiful you are, it’s his loss. Don’t try to be someone else. You are awesome. He’ll realize it eventually, and if not, then find yourself a nice lover on the side.”