Avery tried to ease the awkward silence by changing the subject.
"My parents were invited to your parents’ anniversary," she said with a light laugh, tugging at his sleeve playfully. "I hope I’ll be your plus one."
Damien’s eyes lifted slowly to meet hers — calm, unreadable, but firm.
"You know you’re not officially my wife," he said coolly. "It’s a family event. Invited guests will be there — including my grandfather. So, the answer is no."
Her smile faltered.
"I’ll be going with my wife, Elena," he added flatly.
The sound of Elena’s name made Avery’s face twist for a split second — a flash of hatred that she quickly buried beneath a delicate smile.
"That’s okay," she said, forcing a pout. "I’ll see you there, then."
But the fire burning in her chest told another story.
*****
La
