Chapter 2

2.

She wore a stunning red silk dress that made her skin look like porcelain.

With her usual elegant smile, she walked gracefully toward us.

When her eyes met Caspian's, a visible spark seemed to fly between them.

But when her gaze shifted to me, her smile instantly froze.

For a few seconds, a thousand emotions flickered across her face.

She recovered quickly, pulling that familiar, gentle mask back on.

She walked over, tucked her arm into mine, and asked naturally.

"Honey, what are you doing here? I just came along to keep Brenda company."

Brenda was one of the women in her social circle.

I quietly pulled my arm away and replied coldly.

"I'm just here for a tasting with some friends."

Caspian chuckled, raising his glass. "Silas, drink as much as you like. I have plenty of this wine―more than I could ever finish."

His tone was polite, but I heard the underlying gloat and provocation.

Seraphina didn't look at Caspian for the rest of the time, treating him like a stranger.

She stayed perfectly poised, chatting with everyone else.

Caspian also avoided our eyes, acting like a perfect, disinterested gentleman.

I couldn't tell if they were incredible actors or if I was truly overthinking it.

Maybe they had a past, but it was long over.

Having a past wasn't a crime, as long as she loved me now.

I started to feel foolish for being so paranoid.

I was looking for a chance to talk to her privately when things went south.

A child suddenly darted out of the crowd and crashed into Caspian.

Caspian stumbled back, losing his balance right at the edge of the stairs.

Without a second thought, Seraphina shoved me aside and lunged forward.

She caught Caspian, holding him tightly.

"Cas! Are you okay? Did you get hurt?"