ough to cut through the ambient noise of the gala. Cynthia's heart sank as

issively at Cynthia's outfit-a simple yet elegant dress th

a asked, her voice steady desp

this family tonight!" Nora exclaimed, her eyes narrowed in disdain. "Do y

replied softly, her shoulders slumping

ou don't look the part, you'll never be taken seriously.

eet. "I'll... I'll see what I can find,"

a lot of catching up to do," Nora called after

She quickly changed into a more extravagant dress, one that hugged her figure and s

ke through Cynthia's thoughts as she enter

Cynthia asked, a small s

t!" Lila exclaimed, bouncing on her heels. "Ju

hia sighed. "They always find

than them," Lila encouraged. "Le

ey headed back downstairs. The laughter and chatter of the guests swirle

called out, dripping with feigned enthusiasm. "I was

ynthia replied, trying

with a smug grin. "Do you think you can keep up with

," Lila interjected, her voice fi

said, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Right, Cynthi

yebrow, hesitant. "

lison said, feigning innocence. "It'll be fun! You

d, a bright smile on her

but doubt quickly crept in. "Are you s

eplied sweetly, her smile wide. "Co

r expression calculating. "Wh

id, her voice sugary. "Cynthia deserves

oment. "Fine, but you better be back before midnight. I

sing her irritation. It wasn't like

hia. "You're going to love this place. It's the hottest

knot of unease twisted in

d, her voice light, but there was an underly

Lights flickered, casting a vibrant glow over the crowd, and laughter filled th

They found a spot near the dance floor, and as they s

nk?" Alison asked, her e

, not feeling comfortable with the i

mirk forming on her lips. "You need to loosen

a suggested, trying t

Cynthia relente

Alison said, signaling the wai

elf relax a little, laughing and enjoying the moment with her friends. But ben

dragging them both up. The music pulsed, and

nthia protested, fe

dging you here," Alison said

a moment, Cynthia forgot about her family

ang of it!" Lila chee

urned to find a tall, handsome stranger staring down

Cynthia replie

me?" he asked,

her voice barely au

Cynthia. I'm Jake.

excitement and uncertainty. She glanced a

oment later, she caught a glimpse of Alison whispering to Lila, her expression a mix

Jake asked, pulling he

ia said, trying to

this," he replied, spinning he

rying to focus on him. But the sensation of

often," he suggested, his smile

y," Cynthia admitted, glancing back at Alison and Li

Jake replied, nodding sympath

ibrate in her pocket. She glanced

ou? You better no

uld probably check in," she

" Jake said, his eyes locking on

the desire to let loose. "You're right," she said, slipping her

smiled, pulling

lison and Lila appeared beside them,

pictures!" Alison said, her tone gi

moment!" Lila added, he

f unease wash over he

nsisted, her eyes glinting mischi

ot back, but the nerv

relented, forcing a smil

udged Jake closer to Cynthia. "You t