“Owen’s hosting a singles party for Vanessa tonight, Audrey. Aren’t you going?”
I snapped out of my daze at the mention of my name, my gaze locking with my friend’s as she waited for a response.
Her expression softened with concern. “Have you and Owen been fighting? You’ve been looking distracted lately.”
I shook my head.
Just then, my phone rang. It was an incoming call from Owen Shepherd. A painful twist hit me when I saw the familiar number on the screen.
It took me a few long seconds before I finally answered.
Owen’s voice came through the line, distant and flat. “Vanessa just broke up with her boyfriend, so we’re not inviting anyone’s partner tonight. I don’t want you to show up and make her feel worse.”
I bit my lip so hard I could taste the blood, that sharp, metallic tang grounding me at the moment. Whatever Owen said next was drowned out.
I fought to ignore the pain and maintained a calm tone as I interrupted him, “Got it. I won’t be there. Actually, I’ve got a work trip to Faldora, so I won’t be around anyway.”
Owen fell silent for a moment, perhaps caught off guard by my not arguing about not being able to show up before Vanessa Cottle.
His tone softened after a few beats. “You’ve really learned to be sensible.”
A sharp bitterness bloomed within me, and I fought to keep the tears from breaking free.
My friend stared at me in disbelief. I could feel her surprise—everyone knew how much I loved Owen and how I’d lost myself in him.
But this time, I didn’t cling to him with desperation, didn’t start a fight over Vanessa, and didn’t let my insecurities slip through.
My friend immediately noticed how off I looked. She sighed and silently poured me a glass of water.
I drank it in one go, feeling the warmth spread through my body, easing the chill that had settled in. I smiled at her, packed up my things from the table, and began booking a flight.
“So, you’re actually going to Faldora?” she asked.
