Stella's POV:
Didn't he say he had a dinner engagement?
It turned out, in his eyes, that Christmas dinner with his family counted as one, too.
Kimberly had already joyfully dashed inside, energetically greeting everyone. F From the formalities and titles she employed, I discerned that the refined woman dressed in a purple velvet gown was James's mother, Amanda. Standing beside her were Gabriel and James.
Except for his father, Oscar, all other members of the Laurent family were there.
My mind went blank with fear, and I couldn't muster the courage to stay any longer. I turned and ran outside.
I hadn't gotten far when Julian grabbed my arm tightly and dragged me back inside.
I couldn't resist his strength.
Head down, my face and ears flushed red.
I heard Julian introducing me to hi
