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46. Half a Step Behind

last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-07-31 00:51:34
The gala was a spectacle of crystal chandeliers, flowing champagne, and the low hum of orchestral music weaving through the crowd. Chatter echoed between glasses clinking and the soft clatter of heels against marble. Lights shimmered above, casting a golden glow over the room filled with laughter, celebration, and carefully curated charm. Waiters moved gracefully between people, trays balanced with gourmet hors d’oeuvres and expensive wines.

But Elena Carter felt none of it.

Elena stood near a towering ice sculpture shaped like the company’s logo, forcing a smile as a board member droned on about market trends in Southeast Asia. She was smiling, laughing, and nodding at people she barely remembered being introduced to.

Her smile was painted on, her words rehearsed. Inside, a dull ache pulsed like a quiet drum. She sipped the champagne, letting the fizz distract her from the sting in her chest. Her mind, however, was miles away or more accurately, fixed on the man across the room.

“Ele
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Thank you for giving this book a chance. I hope you're enjoying this book as much as you did the first one. Kindly leave a review under this book, sharing your thoughts. I'll be grateful.

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His Girl Nextdoor
I loved Guilty Pleasure book 1, and am so invested in book 2 with Ryan and Elena 's story. I love them! I feel like Avonlea is in a relationship with Enric as well, awaiting that coming to light and I feel like that will be the reason Enric accepts Ryan and Elena's age gap Dying for more chapters!
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