The buzz of the phone shattered the rare peace I had found in Alexander’s arms. It had been moments since we had reentered the bustling party, laughter echoing around us like music from a distant world. The lights seemed brighter, the faces more cheerful. But underneath it all, something lingered—something that I couldn’t shake.
It was Catherine. The name on the phone’s screen was a chill that sliced through the warmth I had just found. Every time I saw her name, every time I thought we were done with her, she would find another way to reappear.
“Not now,” I muttered under my breath, but I couldn’t ignore the pang in my chest as I glanced at Alexander.
His face had already shifted, his eyes narrowing just slightly. “She’s still trying to play her game,” he said, his voice quiet, but the frustration was there—raw, real, and barely controlled.
I turned to face him completely, ignoring the phone. I needed to focus. We needed to focus. This was supposed to be our night—the moment where ev
