Theo’s mother guided me through the grand room, her arm still linked with mine. Her warmth and cheerfulness were a sharp contrast to Theo’s cold demeanor. I felt out of place, but her enthusiasm made it a little easier to follow her lead.
“This party is full of interesting people,” she said with a bright smile. “You must meet them all. After all, you’re part of the family now.”
Part of the family? The thought made me uneasy, but I nodded politely, not wanting to upset her. She stopped by a small group of elegantly dressed women, their laughter light and practiced.
“Ladies,” Theo’s mother said, her voice commanding attention. “This is my son’s lovely girlfriend.”
The women turned their sharp eyes toward me, their smiles polite but curious. “Oh, isn’t she charming?” one of them said, her
