Chapter 3

The car pulled up briskly to the restaurant. As we entered the private dining room, it was clear this dinner was more than just a gathering for the three of us. Axl and Rayne had invited several of their friends, all well-acquainted with one another. When I arrived, I felt their eyes on me, tinged with thinly-veiled ridicule. The fiasco from the engagement party had evidently left its mark.

Feeling unwell due to an allergy, I decided against mingling and found solace in a quiet corner. But Rayne suddenly intertwined her arm with mine and announced loudly:

"Keira, I owe…