The hypocrisy was a physical weight, pressing down on my chest, but I wore my smile like a suit of armor.

“Felicity isn’t just my best friend,” Claire announced, clinking her fork against a crystal flute to draw the room’s attention. The chatter died. She stood beside Owen, beaming at me.

“She’s the sister I chose. And to be trusted as godmother to this little girl… it’s the greatest honor of my life. To Felicity and Damon!”

“To Felicity and Damon!” the room echoed.

Damon leaned in and kissed my temple. My skin crawled.

“Thank you, Claire,” I said, my voice projecting clearly across the room. “You’ve done so much. In fact, you and Damon have both been working so hard behind the scenes… I felt it was only right to prepare a little something to show my appreciation.”