THE GALA
Samantha’s manicured fingers tightened around her champagne flute as she watched Helen standing close to Ethan. Helen’s laughter rang out like nails on a chalkboard to Samantha’s ears.
Her heart sank further when she saw Helen lean in to give Ethan a light peck on the cheek. Ethan smiled warmly, whispering something that made Helen laugh even more. The sight was unbearable.
Samantha’s jaw clenched.
“How dare she?” Samantha thought to herself as the her grip on the champagne glass tightened even more.
"Samantha, are you even listening to me?" Daniel snapped at Samantha.
His sharp tone cut through her thoughts. Daniel sat beside her at the round table with his expression a mix of that of irritation and suspicion.
"Huh? What did you say?" Samantha asked absentmindedly, with h
