Chapter 18

Althaia

I walked down the last steps to the garden and looked at the scenery in front of me. It was set up beautifully, but then again, this manor was out of this world, and I wouldn’t have expected anything less.

The garden was filled with round tables, each adorned with colorful flowers and large candles that cast a gentle glow. The small torches on the ground created a mesmerizing pattern as their orange and yellow flames danced in the air. Servers walked around, smiling and offering chilled champagne to the arriving guests.

I grabbed a glass of champagne, giving a small smile to the guests, and went to find a secluded area in the back. I wanted to be a quiet presence and be there as moral support for Cara.

I felt an emptiness in my chest, along with a lingering sense of hurt. I wished Michael were here. I missed that goofy blue-eyed man terribly. He could always put me in a better mood.

“You’re looking a little sour tonight, aren’t