Megan had no choice but to explain with a forced smile, “Five years ago, we all thought Caitlin had perished in the fire. But it turns out, she was lucky enough to escape and survive. She just recently returned.”
“Oh, I see!”
“Five years gone, and Caitlin has grown into such a stunning woman! I wonder if she’s married yet?”
As the guests shifted their attention to Caitlin, Megan’s irritation grew.
Though she maintained her composure outwardly, Megan felt deeply vexed inside. She put on her best hostess smile, approached Caitlin, and said warmly, “Well, look who’s back—Caitlin!”
Jasmine also noticed Caitlin’s uninvited arrival. Confused, she wondered what Caitlin’s intentions were in showing up so suddenly today.
Scott’s reaction was even more dramatic. Hearing Megan address the woman
