Chapter 141. Secrets Revealed

Annika made me feel welcomed and Aleksander made me feel wanted. Somewhere along the way, it must have rubbed off on Nikolai. He let go of whatever displeasure weighed him down, allowing himself to smile at my jokes. In such a brief span of time, they filled the family shaped hole in my heart.

Never a replacement for what I'd lost, but something new to ease the pain.

I grabbed a bubbling glass of champagne after spinning in circles on the dance floor. A slower song played, and I the opportunity to hide in a corner and catch my breath. Through the empty tables, I found Ricky and Devin swaying in a tender embrace on the dance floor. Nearby, Aleksander led his aunt in a dance. Her head fell back with mirth as she cackled at something he said.

"Excuse me." An unfamiliar male voice snuck into my ear.

I lowered the glass from my lips seconds away from taking a sip. Something about the cold air at my side sent a nasty shiver shooting down the length of my spine. Cau