Chapter 5

A flicker of amusement crossed Kelly' s face. She loved this game, loved pitting us against each other, with her as the prize.

"Alright, everyone!" she called out, clapping her hands. "Let' s go into the game room!"

As she passed me, she leaned in, her voice a venomous whisper in my ear. "He' s only putting up with you. Don' t ever forget that."

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. I followed the crowd into a room that looked like a high-tech arcade, complete with VR stations and a massive screen.

I found a seat in a dark corner, trying to make myself as small as possible. Easton took the central couch, the king on his throne, surrounded by his court.

Then, to my surprise, he stood up and walked over to my corner. He sat down next to me, not saying a word. The space between us was charged with a strange, uncomfortable energy. The party' s atmosphere shifted.

I saw Kelly' s smile tighten from across the room. Her eyes, fixed on Easton sitting next to me, were blazing with jealousy. She couldn' t stand it.

Without missing a beat, she glided over and squeezed herself onto the couch, right between me and Easton, physically pushing me to the side.

I felt Easton' s gaze on me for a moment, but then it shifted, locking onto Kelly. It always did.

She was radiant, holding court, her laughter bright and captivating. I had to admit, watching her, I could see the chasm between us. She was born for this world of effortless glamour and privilege. I was an imposter.

I picked up a glass of whiskey from the table, the amber liquid promising a temporary numbness.

Before the glass reached my lips, Easton' s hand closed over mine, stopping me. "Don' t drink that. You know you can' t handle hard liquor."

His voice was low, concerned. It was one of those confusing moments of care that had kept me hooked for so long.

"How thoughtful," Kelly chimed in, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "But do you remember that cocktail you used to love, Easton? The one with the rare Peruvian bitters? I had to pull so many strings to get a bottle for your birthday one year."

Easton' s face softened at the memory. "I remember. That was the best drink I' ve ever had."

"See?" Kelly said, looking at me with pity. "I know him."

The people around them started murmuring, "They were always meant to be," "She's the only one who really gets him." I was the intruder, the third wheel in my own marriage. My face burned with shame.

Kelly, sensing her victory, clapped her hands again. "Let' s play a game! Seven Minutes in Heaven, but with a twist!"

The rules were simple and designed for maximum humiliation. A random number generator would pair people up. The couple with the highest combined score would win the "privilege" of spending seven minutes together in the adjoining powder room.

The crowd roared, their eyes all on Easton and Kelly.

Easton looked intrigued. A slow smile spread across his face.

The numbers flashed on the screen. Easton got a 98. The highest score. The crowd cheered. Then it was Kelly' s turn. She got a 99. A perfect match.

"She cheated!" someone yelled playfully.

Kelly just smiled, her eyes locked on Easton, full of undisguised desire.

It was his choice to make. Everyone was watching.

I knew what he would choose. I always knew.

I started to get up, to slip away before the final, public execution of my dignity.

But then, Easton' s hand shot out and grabbed my wrist.