The banquet was about ten kilometers away.

Originally, Wylie wanted to arrange a car for Paityn, but the latter refused and said she'd take a cab herself.

The spring night in Crocksten was cold, and the thin-down jacket she wore wasn’t enough to stop the shivers that overtook her. She couldn’t tell if it was the chill of the night or the chill in her heart that affected her more.

Paityn had placed too much hope in Jamie. Seeing the scandal unfold had shaken her deeply. No matter how much she liked him, she wouldn’t abandon her principles. Otherwise, what awaited her would be endless waiting, uncertainty, and compromise.

Men are best "tamed" before marriage. There's no need for a marriage plagued by constant drama over these matters. Such a marriage would be better avoided.

A blue taxi slowly pulled up, and Paityn bent down to get in. She gave the driver the address, who couldn't help but comment, "It’s lively over there tonight. The hotel entrance is full of luxury cars, and the