“My team tends to be thorough when I attend events,” he said, polite and unbothered. “But I assure you I’m here simply as Sophia’s boyfriend. Supporting her at her sister’s wedding.”
The room went silent in the way rooms do when power enters without being invited.
“My boyfriend,” I repeated softly, because hearing it in this room felt like stepping into a different life.
My father stared at Daniel like he was seeing a headline walk in. My mother looked faint. Clare pressed a hand to her mouth.
Daniel crossed the room and took my hand with easy familiarity, like this was any other family gathering. He kissed my cheek, warm and real. “Sorry I’m early,” he murmured. “The sweep took longer than expected.”
Mrs. Wellington recovered first, lifting her chin. “Mr. Chin. We had no idea you would be attending.”
“I know,” Daniel said. “That’s partly on us. We wanted this to be about Clare and your son. It still is.”
Mr. Wellington cleared his throat. “Of course. We’re honored, obviously.”
Daniel’s gaze flicked around the room, taking inventory. Then he pulled out his phone. “I’m confused about something,” he said, holding it up slightly. “The seating chart says Sophia is in the back row.”