Braxton’s expression froze momentarily, and I caught the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes as he glanced between us. I kept my demeanor neutral, my heart steady despite the storm brewing inside.
“Eat more if you like,” I offered, trying to keep the peace.
His face relaxed, but I could sense the lingering questions in his gaze. “Calla, if you want anything, just order it.”
He handed me the menu, and I smiled politely, shaking my head. “No, I just heard something awful this morning, and I can’t shake the feeling. My appetite’s gone.”
His frown deepened. “What happened?”
Feigning nonchalance, I replied, “It’s about my friend. Her boyfriend cheated on her, indulging in her home-cooked meals while sneaking bites from his mistress. He was driving drunk this morning and got into an accident. They say he might not make it.”
I leaned in closer, my voice dropping as I added, “People with such low morals deserve to be punished, don’t you think, Braxton?”
My wolf snickered Cheating asshole.
I wore a smile, but Braxton’s face turned dark. He seemed momentarily lost for words before finally managing a response. “Yes… yes, they do.”
As the weight of my words sank in, I wondered if he understood the parallel I drew.
Lila’s entrance was like a quiet storm, bringing tension with her that I couldn't ignore. I could feel the shift in the air as she joined the conversation, her smile faltering a bit. Something unsaid lingered between us, heavy and uncomfortable.
"Calla," Lila said slowly, her voice carrying a hint of hesitation, "Maybe that guy... he doesn’t care about his girlfriend anymore. So it’s not fair to say he’s stringing her along, you know?"
I scoffed, shaking my head as frustration bubbled beneath my skin. I didn’t hold back this time. “If he really didn’t care, Lila, then why stay with her? If he’s moved on, why not just end it? Or maybe," I added, glancing at her pointedly, "he’s trying to keep his options open. You ever think of that?"
My wolf, Nova, growled softly in my head. *Always leaving crumbs for everyone, huh? Men like that think they’re so clever.* Her voice was biting, dripping with sarcasm.
Lila shifted uncomfortably, her eyes flickering with something close to guilt. I pressed on, unable to stop myself.
"If he really cared about her, he wouldn’t be keeping someone else on the side, making her look like a fool. You don’t play with people’s feelings like that."