Annabelle's smile faltered for a split second as she tried to deflect the question. "Oh, I just thought Mom and Dad would be here by now," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. She hoped her response would be enough to divert Alex's attention.
Clary had arrived earlier with her fiancé, her arrival marked by a brief but warm exchange of greetings. Annabelle had also spotted Sherly in the crowd, which meant Vin was likely present, although she had yet to catch a glimpse of him. Despite the bustling activity around her, her focus remained unwaveringly on the one person she had hoped to see tonight—Edwards.
Edwards was the one Annabelle had been looking forward to seeing the most. His presence had been something she had been eagerly anticipating, especially after their last conversation and the emotional weight it carried. It was unusual for him to be late for events, and her anticipation had been tinged with concern.