I looked at him in the dim light. He was watching the stage, his profile sharp and handsome.
Do you love me? I had asked.
Of course I do, he had lied.
Halfway through the second act, during the masquerade scene, Nathan’s phone buzzed in his pocket.
He ignored it.
It buzzed again. And again.
He frowned, pulling it out. The screen lit up, illuminating his face. I saw the name. Danica.
He read the message, and his jaw tightened. He glanced at me, then back at the phone. He started typing rapidly.
Then, another buzz.
He sighed, a heavy, irritated sound. He turned to me, putting on a regretful face.
“Karylle,” he whispered. “I… I have to go.”
“What?” I asked, though I wasn’t surprised. “Now? In the middle of the show?”
“It’s work,” he lied smoothly. “Emergency with the merger. The investors are freaking out. I have to go handle it.”
“Can’t it wait?” I asked, testing him. “It’s our date night. You promised.”
“I know, baby, I’m sorry,” he said, standing up and grabbing his coat. “I’ll make it up to you. I promise. Stay and finish the show. I’ll send the driver back for you.”
He kissed my cheek—a quick, distracted peck—and hurried out of the box without looking back.