Clara Morel arrives at a fashionable Riviera resort after a most determined journey, fully prepared to prevent a wedding she considers both foolish and ill-advised. Unfortunately, she arrives a day too late. The ceremony has already taken place with admirable efficiency. What remains is a nearly empty hotel, a quantity of unused champagne, and a handful of guests whose politeness seems somewhat strained. Each of them appears to have a private grievance, an awkward history, or an inconvenient secret. Clara soon discovers that while she may have missed the wedding, she has arrived in perfect time for something else entirely. After all, in a place where everyone has a reason to resent someone, it rarely takes much for resentment to become murder.

Bendek was an Olympic fencer before a serious injury changed everything. During his recovery from major surgery-one that could have ended his athletic career-he started playing a rather unremarkable online game. But the people he met there were anything but ordinary. Their different cultures and perspectives brought him unexpected joy during his difficult times, especially one particular woman. Through their sharp, sarcastic minds, they developed a deep connection and strong feelings for each other. Unfortunately, they were separated by culture, religion, age, and the overwhelming question of how to navigate their situation. But one thing was clear to Bendek-his feelings for her were more real than any he had ever known.