Clarissa was attending a dinner in New York - some fundraiser for a museum or art gallery hosted by some magazine or politician.

After a while, all the invitations the Blackwoods received all blended into one, and Clarissa followed the same routine every time. Wear a fancy evening dress (selected by Edward, of course); smile for the photographers outside and tell the reporters some repetitive nonsense about the importance of the cause; make polite small talk with the hosts and fellow guests, and finally, get yelled at by Edward once they got home for whatever insignificant mistake or faux pas she made.

So, Clarissa entered the hall in a gorgeous emerald green gown, the type she would've dreamed of as a kid, but now, she resented anything Edward had chosen. Edward held her wrist the whole time, slightly too tight, but she wasn't about to make a complaint in public. She just plastered a smile on her face and followed Eddie to their seats.

A couple was sitting to their left. They both had rich brown skin, and the man stared at the woman lovingly, as if she was a work of art. Edward changed his demeanour completely as he sat down, going from an intimidating, looming figure to being cheery and refined, an upstanding citizen. "Theodore Lowe? Remember me?" The man turned around, smiling politely. "Edward Blackwood. How could I forget?" The two shook hands, before Eddie gestured towards Clarissa. "This is Clarissa. My wife." The couple smiled, and she shook hands with both of them before Theodore spoke. "This is my fiancée, Claire Wyatt." Claire offered both of them a polite wave, and Clarissa took a mental note of the diamond ring. Edward laughed. "When's the wedding?" Claire affectionately placed her hand on top of Theodore's. "This May. You should come, if you're in the area."

The circular tables meant Claire and Clarissa sat opposite each other. Clarissa watched her carefully. She seemed happy. Like, genuinely happy. Not the kind of fake smiles and hesitant eye contact most of the wives held. Maybe she was lucky.

Or maybe she just hadn't noticed it yet.

As all six courses were served, Clarissa was the perfect lady. She only spoke when spoken to, and made sure not to laugh too loud or eat too fast. She still frequently glanced at Claire, looking for any indicator of discomfort or distress. Either she was happy, or she was a hell of an actor.

After dinner, Claire and Clarissa made plans to meet up again before the Blackwoods left New York. Eddie approved. He still yelled at her when they got back to the hotel.