Matilda’s pulse quickened as she pieced it all together. She stood apart, observing the uneasy glances, the murmurs of disbelief. Melissa’s smile wavered under the scrutiny, and for a fleeting moment, their eyes met. Matilda saw a flicker of regret in the young woman’s gaze.
The young woman quickly looked away, her smile overly bright. “It’s so nice to finally meet you all. Vince has told me so much.” One by one, family and friends shook her hand, their smiles strained, glancing at Matilda warily, who stood further away.