The house was packed with extended family for a massive dinner. During the meal, an uncle jokingly remarked that Rhett and I got along so well we looked like biological siblings rather than new relatives.
My dad smiled warmly. "Absolutely. The kids hit it off immediately." Jane beamed beside him.
I kept my head down, focusing on my rice out of sheer guilt. Beneath the table, Rhett's hand was gently rubbing the back of my hand. I pinched his leg, but he refused to let go.
After dinner, the adults gathered in the living room for cards and loud chatter. Feeling suffocated, I slipped out onto the balcony for some fresh air. The night breeze was cool, carrying the sweet scent of osmanthus flowers.
Footsteps sounded behind me. I didn't need to turn around to know who it was. A warm jacket wa
