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128 - Most Profound Fears
ARAH
She was transported to a lavish party at a big house that didn’t belong to Marianne and her father. The air was filled with chatter and laughter. Couples danced in the spacious center of the room as violins and cellos played in the background. Women talked about fashion and jewelry, while the men were engrossed in serious discussions about business and war.
In the corner, she spotted Marianne, drinking alone, fully aware of the other women gossiping about her—women who once fawned over her to be friends. Arah pursed her lips. She hated those types of people.
“I cannot believe Madame invited her,” one woman commented in a shrill voice. “She is nothing but a faded glory now. No one cares for her anymore.”
“If she possessed even a shred of decency,” added another, “she would not dare show her face in society any longer.”
Even men would quietly advise one another not to ask Marianne to dance. Some even deliberately avoided walking
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