Later that night, we stepped into the hall, and the sight hit me like a wave. The chandeliers sparkled like starlight, and people were dressed in the finest attire. I glanced down at my simple outfit—a modest dress that Skyler didn’t even bother to notice when he picked me up earlier. He, of course, looked impeccable, wearing a sleek black suit that clung to his muscular frame like it was made for him, the Alpha everyone admired. His hair was perfectly styled, his jaw sharp as ever. He looked every bit the powerful leader they saw him as.
As we walked in, heads snapped in our direction, but no one saw me. It was as if I wasn’t there. I felt small and out of place. How had I believed they would ever accept me?
“Hey, Skyler, love.” The sudden voice cut through my thoughts like a blade. I turned my gaze to find Tia, rushing up to Skyler with her perfect, elegant stride. My chest tightened.
His face lit up, and I loosened my grip on his hand, expecting him to notice. But he dropped my hand first as if he’d forgotten I was even there. His arms wrapped around her in a hug, while I stood there like a lost soul, watching them. They separated and she leaned in, pecking his lips before wiping the smudge of her lipstick away, oblivious to me.
“Oh, how lovely,” Amira’s voice cut in. She waved at us, giving Skyler a side hug before glancing at me with cold indifference.
“Thank you for gracing my party, Skyler,” she said, her eyes flicking between him and Tia.
“Welcome, Raya,” she muttered as an afterthought. I forced a smile that felt unnatural.
“Belated happy birthday, Raya!” Tia’s voice was sweet, mocking. Before I could respond, she locked arms with Skyler. “I reserved your seat, Sky,” she said, pulling him closer.
“Thanks, Tia,” he replied, his tone casual, almost grateful, as he gestured for me to follow. I bit down on my lip, trying to suppress the hurt.
I arranged my scarf as if it could hide the rawness inside. Amira watched me from the corner of her eye, that knowing smile playing on her lips. She was waiting for me to break, but I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction.
Skyler settled next to Tia and Amira. He glanced at me briefly, then down at the table, and I realized there wasn’t a chair for me.