The party buzzed around them, filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the hum of conversation. Emily and Isabella stepped out of the bathroom, their smiles tense but still present. Emily squeezed Isabella's hand one last time, her eyes silently promising to always be there, no matter what happened.
"Thank you," Isabella whispered, her voice almost lost in the noise.
"Anytime," Emily replied before letting go and disappearing into the crowd.
Isabella barely had time to catch her breath before Felix appeared in front of her. His presence was like a shadow, dark and brooding. He handed Isabella a glass of champagne, his eyes searching her face.
“Let’s talk,” Felix said, nodding toward the balcony.
Isabella followed him, feeling the weight of everyone’s eyes on them. The cool night ai
