The air inside the luxurious mansion was thick with tension as I stood next to Faruk, trying to ignore the nervous pit in my stomach. I was no stranger to uncomfortable gatherings, but this dinner felt different. I didn’t belong here. Everyone was dressed impeccably, their gazes sharp, as though they could see through every pretense I could conjure. The invitation may have been sent with elegance, but it was a summons.
As we entered, a familiar scent filled the air, and I found myself face-to-face with Zeta, Faruk’s mother. Her eyes settled on me for a moment, and then on Faruk. Her lips curled into a smile, but there was something sharp beneath the surface like she was holding back a barb meant for someone else. “Faruk my dear,” she said coolly, inclining her head slightly.
“Mother,” Fa
