Chapter 10

Nadine

The air in the room feels heavy with tension as I take my seat between Daniel and Lily. Daniel’s intense gaze follows my every move, while opposite me, Logan's eyes are fixated on me with a silent intensity.

Around the table, they discuss lively, but I can’t shake the feeling of being out of place. I notice that Logan isn’t contributing much to the conversation; his answers are monotone. They all share a close bond that I only admire from the sidelines.

“Nadine, I hope you’re enjoying your meal,” Florence says, her face lighting up with genuine happiness that I’m in Logan’s life.

“Yes, ma,” I reply, bringing the glass of orange drink to my lips and taking a sip, trying to focus on the food in front of me as a distraction from the tension swirling around the table.

Lily’s voice pulls me back to the present moment. “You know, Nadine, I was wondering how you and Logan met. I’m so glad love has finally found him.”