"Stop exaggerating—it's not that bad. Look at me, perfectly fine standing here. How many times must I say it? Our marriage is just paperwork. That death stare? Just for show."
Nina recoiled, Ryan's livid expression burned into her memory. "If that's acting, it's Oscar-worthy terror," she muttered, shaking her head.
The club event flew by—neither too long nor too short—and on the final night, their senior treated everyone to dinner at Nuage City's hottest restaurant.
"Order whatever you want—my treat tonight!" The declaration set off whoops and hollers, but Valerie fidgeted, her untouched drink sweating in her hand. Still no reply from Ryan, though her message showed "read."
"Lighten up, Val! It's only 6—you're not due back till 8," Nina nudged. "I'll be your designated drink-blocker. S
