Anthony turned to me. His voice was soft—the kind of softness that made your skin crawl.
I lowered my head.
"Yes. Mr. Vance is right."
Just then, Audrey glided in wearing a white custom couture gown, a designer bag hooked over her arm.
The moment she spotted Anthony, a sweet smile bloomed across her face.
"Anthony! Traffic was a nightmare—I'm so late."
He left me behind and strode toward her, his arm sliding naturally around her waist.
Audrey seemed to notice me only then, covering her mouth in exaggerated surprise.
"Oh! Isn't that Layla? Long time no see—why are you dressed like this..."
A flash of vicious satisfaction flickered in her eyes, but her face stayed painted with concern.
"Have things been rough? You've gotten so thin you barely look like yourself."
She stepped closer. The hand holding her red wine trembled.
The wine splashed straight onto my chest.
I raised my hand to block her, and the back of my hand grazed her wrist.
"Ah!"
Audrey cried out as the glass shattered across the floor.
She clutched her wrist, eyes glistening, and looked at Anthony. "Anthony, I just wanted to say hello to Layla. She still blames me for taking you away."
The room went silent.