Paityn also extended her hand. She forced a polite smile. “Hello.”

Paityn and Yara shook hands briefly before the latter turned to Jamie. Her excitement was palpable. “Let’s head in. Yanni just asked about us!”

Jamie clearly doted on Yara. He nodded and briefly acknowledged Paityn before taking Yara by the hand and walking away.

As the door closed behind them, Paityn found herself alone, with the large glass windows reflecting her solitary figure. She reached up to touch her face, easily recognizing how pale and strained she looked.

A wave of self-mockery washed over Paityn. The fact was that it was her choice to end things. However, she was the one on the brink of tears now. For whom was she putting on this facade?

After taking five minutes to compose herself, Paityn stepped back into the banquet hall, transforming once again into her flawless self until she was suddenly intercepted by Tegan.

“Paityn!” Tegan called out. Her expression was serious when she blocked Pait