Chapter 21

The afternoon sun was perfect as Sophia Laurent eagerly pulled Evelyn Langley to see the dolphin show.

A long line stretched outside the performance venue. Sophia stood on tiptoe, peering ahead while clutching two tickets in her hand.

The blast of cool air from the AC finally soothed Evelyn's sun-flushed cheeks.

Sophia excitedly pointed at the dolphins leaping from the water and shoved her camera into Evelyn's hands.

Seeing Sophia's radiant smile, Evelyn couldn't help but soften her own expression.

After the show, Evelyn handed her bag to Sophia and turned toward the restroom.

At the sink, Chloe Valentine was reapplying her lipstick in the mirror.

Evelyn walked past her without a glance, heading straight for a stall.

When she came out, Chloe was still there—clearly waiting for her.

The faucet ran loudly as Evelyn focused on scrubbing her hands.

Their eyes met briefly in the mirror before quickly looking away.

"What a coincidence, Evelyn," Chloe said, shaking her wrist so her silver bracelet glinted under the lights.

Evelyn didn't respond, continuing to rinse her fingers.

"How have you been lately?" Chloe tilted her head, her gaze probing.

"Fine." Evelyn turned off the water.

Chloe let out a soft laugh. "Getting used to living on your own?"

"None of your concern."

"Actually, I should thank you." Chloe's eyes suddenly reddened. "If you hadn't stepped aside, Nathan and I wouldn't have worked out so smoothly."

Evelyn pulled a paper towel and slowly dried her hands.

"See the balloons outside?" Chloe stroked the bracelet on her wrist. "Nathan said this looks especially beautiful on me..."

Evelyn caught sight of the familiar brand logo, and her chest tightened.

So that day, he had been picking out a gift for Chloe.

"Congratulations." She tossed the words over her shoulder and walked away.

Sophia waved at her near the exit. "What took you so long?"

"I'm a little tired. Let's head back." Evelyn rubbed her temples.

"No way!" Sophia shook her phone. "I just booked us tickets for the haunted house—they say it's terrifying!"

Evelyn raised a brow. "I thought you hated stuff like this?"

"Not when you're with me!" Sophia linked arms with her.

In the end, Evelyn let herself be dragged to the haunted house entrance.

The staff scanned Sophia's phone. "Right this way, ladies."