Sophia’s POV
The word lingered in the air like something unwelcome.
Carmen.
It didn’t belong in that moment.
Not after the laughter.
Not after the soft touches.
Not after the way everything had finally… felt right.
Colton didn’t move immediately.
He just stood there, phone pressed to his ear, his jaw tightening ever so slightly.
I watched him.
Carefully.
The way his shoulders stiffened.
The way his fingers curled faintly at his side.
Something had shifted.
Again.
“Carmen,” he repeated, his voice calm, but not warm.
Not like it was with me.
Not like it had been all night.
Across the room, Emily’s smile faded.
Sean straightened slightly.
And me?
My chest tightened without permission.
“I see you’re enjoying your little trip,” her voice came through faintly from the phone
