Chapter 21

• The venue shimmered beneath the gentle chandelier glow, its halls buzzing faintly with laughter, perfume, and well-practiced smiles. Naomi stood quietly to one side, posture relaxed, expression calm. She did not need to ask or guess. The moment she saw the slight smudges of makeup exhaustion beneath Claire’s eyes and the faint ease in Kenzo’s stance, she already knew. Claire had not been suffering these past few days. She had been with Kenzo, cherished and preserved as though she were crystal placed on a pedestal. Three years ago, Kenzo had been a warm boy who smiled like spring sunlight. Now, he was the man every girl in the city dreamed of leaning toward.
• Beside Naomi, Sakura exhaled a sigh that held disappointment, frustration, and a dash of helpless affection. She tugged lightly at Naomi’s sleeve.
• “Naomi.”