The VVIP section was an enclosed area that was covered completely in glass. It overlooked a breathtaking view of the city, and I held my breath as Florian slowly brought me to sit across from the only other empty seat in the section.

He leaned away but stayed close, his eyes taking me in as his fingers gently pushed my hair back behind my ears.

"Are you okay?"

I met his eyes. It hurt. It felt like a dull ache in my heart, and my chest felt tight. How could they really choose him? What could be so demeaning that they would so blatantly refuse their own daughter?

I met...