CHAPTER EIGHTEEN – THE NEW DEAL

The ornate double doors of the Hogan mansion loomed before Karina, a testament to the family's wealth and status. She took a deep breath, smoothing a hand over the delicate lace of her dress. This was it - the rehearsal dinner, the final step before she would be bound to Matthew Hogan for the rest of her life. Beside her, Kayla squeezed her arm reassuringly. "You've got this, girl," she whispered. "Just smile and nod, and it'll all be over before you know it." Karina tried to return the smile, but it felt more like a grimace. The tension coiled within her, a tightly wound spring ready to snap. As the grand doors swung open, she pasted on her best polite expression and followed Kayla into the opulent foyer. The Hogan mansion was every bit as lavish as she had imagined - towering ceilings, gleaming marble floors, and an elaborate crystal chandelier that cast a warm glow over the gathered guests. Karina's parents and sisters were already mingling with Matthew's family, their laughter