“You’re here for my boyfriend?” The emphasis she placed on “boyfriend” was unmistakable, intended to wound.

Boyfriend.

The word echoed relentlessly in Flossie’s mind, a cruel reminder. The sight of Levy with someone new was both shocking and somehow expected— a contradiction that left her reeling.

The woman before her scoffed, preparing to escalate the situation. But Ellie quickly intervened, coming to stand beside Flossie.

Recognizing Ellie, the woman backed down, albeit reluctantly, not wishing to cause a scene.

“I’m sorry for reaching out without realizing Levy had brought his girlfriend,” Ellie said, her concern evident. “Flossie, are you… okay?”

“There’s no need for apologies,” Flossie managed a faint smile, her gratitude towards Ellie genuine. “Thank you, Ellie.”

From his position, Levy, ostensibly absorbed in his dice game, couldn’t shake off the image of Flossie’s shocked and pained expression.

He wondered how much she had witnessed.

Had she seen his intimacy with the new girlfriend?

“Levy, what’s the matter? Worried about your past and present lovers clashing?” a voice teased from nearby.

Levy responded with a laugh, his demeanor unaffected. “Not at all.” He laid bare his winning hand. “I’ve won. Let’s play another round!”

Flossie, after a brief exchange with Ellie, visibly paled before making her way toward the exit.

“You guys continue, I need to use the restroom,” Levy announced abruptly, standing up. His movement caught the eye of his current girlfriend, who was halfway back to her seat, visibly pale at his departure.

Ellie, noticing Levy’s swift exit, momentarily considered intervening. Yet, she hesitated, questioning whether it was her place to interfere in whatever remained of Flossie and Levy’s relationship.

“What’s bothering you?” Kaiden asked upon Ellie’s return, his touch gentle as he eased the furrows from her brow.

The elite and socialites in attendance could only sigh helplessly at the public display of affection from the once reserved Kaiden towards Ellie.

“Levy might be going after Flossie,” Ellie shared, her concern for her friend evident in her expression.

Kaiden, shielding her view toward the door, reassured her, “Don’t worry, Levy knows what he’s doing.”

As Flossie walked down the corridor, the waiter greeted her with a polite smile. She nodded calmly in acknowledgment but quickened her pace with each step, betraying a sense of urgency.

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