~Lanre
Joanna nodded, though her expression remained distant, her mind clearly elsewhere. I glanced at her briefly, hoping for some sign of relaxation, but her features stayed stiff, her gaze fixed ahead. We moved through the room, the hum of conversation and bursts of laughter around us growing louder with each step. The elegance of the chateau was undeniable—its high ceilings and sparkling chandeliers exuded a timeless charm—but the tension between us dulled its magic.
As we approached Sandra, her bright smile shone through the crowd like a beacon. She greeted us with open arms, her energy cutting through the stiffness that clung to Joanna and me. “Lanre! Joanna!” Sandra exclaimed, her voice warm and welcoming. “I’m so thrilled you both made it down earlier, it's almost time for the re
