Melissa blinked, her vision blurring with tears that threatened to spill over. The image felt like a dagger piercing deep into her chest, twisting with each passing second. Sebastian's concerned voice broke through the haze.
"Melissa? Are you okay?"
She quickly wiped her eyes, forcing a shaky smile that did little to mask the storm within her. "I... I have to go," she said, her voice trembling as she stood abruptly.
Sebastian frowned. "Why? Is there an emergency?"
Melissa shook her head, but the image of Damian and Olivia flashed in her mind again, the sting cutting deeper. A tear slipped down her cheek before she could stop it. She covered her face, choking on a sob, and hurriedly walked out of the eatery.
"Melissa, wait!" Sebastian called after her, running to catch up.
She i
