The night air was cool as they stepped out of the grand estate. The sky stretched above them, dark and vast, with only a few distant stars twinkling through the scattered clouds. The estate’s driveway was quiet, the only sound being the rhythmic click of Chloe’s heels against the pavement as she walked beside Starry.
She felt the warmth of his presence close to her, but her mind was still tangled in thoughts of the dinner. Starry’s father had been welcoming, treating her as though she belonged at that table, as though she were already part of the family. His approval had come easily, through small gestures and genuine conversation. But his mother—his mother was another story.
Evelyn’s silence was louder than any words she could have spoken.
Before, she had been openly indifferent, makin
