Allie sat quietly at the table, her gaze distant. The grand hall was alive with chatter and laughter, but she felt like an outsider looking in. Her presence at the engagement dinner was purely out of obligation, yet she couldn't shake the discomfort sitting heavy in her chest.
The host for the evening, Kane, the president of the journalism group, had a flair for theatrics. His voice boomed over the mic as he welcomed everyone. “Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we celebrate a union that promises to bring two remarkable families even closer. Please, give a warm welcome to Cher Waverly and Nicholas Lawson!”
The room erupted into applause as Cher and Nick entered, arm in arm. Cher had changed into an extravagant wedding-style gown, her confidence radiating as she walked down the red carpet of r
