The Bennetts
The shift in the air was unmistakable. The tension that exploded in that moment could’ve been touched. Everybody seemed stunned in their seats, their eyes widening, nearly bulging, as the words sank in. But Monique didn’t care.
She kissed Ryan’s forehead sweetly, softly, like she was stretching the moment, trying to make it linger longer than it should have. And then she turned to leave. She walked away, taking her aunt with her, while the whole table remained stunned, frozen in place, as if no one could believe what had just happened.
Of course, Monique didn’t leave until she had smiled at the room, an elegant, smug smile before making her exit with her aunt in tow.
The Bennett family, together with Arianna, sat in complete silence. No one spoke a word until the sound of
