Tonia's POV
Reality crashed over me like ice water the moment I saw Solace walking up those steps to the ceremonial platform. The shock on her face quickly melted into pure joy as the recognition of what was happening settled in.
My chest felt hollow, like someone had carved out everything inside and left me empty.
Solace was becoming Grand Luna. Not me.
The bitter truth hit harder than I expected. What had I been thinking all this time? That Kermit would actually choose me for something so permanent? The warmth between us lately, the way he looked at me, the intimacy we shared - it had all been an illusion I created in my desperate mind.
This was still just a contract. I was still just temporary.
The man had been with countless women before me. Physical attraction never meant emotional commitment with him. Why did I think I would be any different from the rest?
A few months from now, I would be nothing but a memory. Another woman who passed through his life and disappeared.
