Chapter 38: Ex-Fiance
Zethan's ex-fiancé? Why was she here?
The thought echoed in Lilia's head, sounding absurd. Was it just her, or was this truly strange? Why would Zethan's ex-fiancé show up at his engagement party? The more she thought about it, the more clueless she felt.
The thought lingered, like a cloud she couldn't shake off. Was she simply overthinking things?The whole situation felt wrong, but why?
As the conversation around her carried on, the air seemed to press in tighter. Every word was a foreign noise. Just as the man finished speaking, she turned—only to catch herself frowning. No, she wouldn't let her mind falter. She knew full well what people called a scandal.
Gossip could twist even the simplest things into unstoppable truths. No, she wouldn't let herself be a part of this. Her thoughts needed to be stronger than this.
Zethan smirked. "Oh, really? I had no idea."
The sarcasm in his tone was unmistakable. But there was something beneath it—a flicker of surprise, perhaps. Even Zethan hadn't expected Ava to show up at the engagement party. But who was this Ava? Lilia needed to know.
The man nodded, offering a polite smile. "I'll be leaving now, Mr. Zethan. My wife is probably looking for me. I had left to meet you. Congratulations once more on your engagement. I will make sure to attend the wedding," he chuckled respectfully, his words smooth and measured.
Zethan responded with a curt nod, his face expressionless. He picked up his glass and took a sip, as though everything was normal, as though the situation didn't feel strange.
Lilia realized something—she hadn't touched her grape juice since those first few sips. Strangely, the drink no longer held any appeal. Her appetite had vanished, as if it had been swallowed by the tension that had begun to rise in the air.
It wasn't about the drink, was it? No.