CHAPTER 37: Cold Feet

  Alexander emerged from the other side, his expression unreadable. He offered me his hand, a silent gesture of assistance. Taking it in mine, a jolt of electricity surged through me, the physical proximity sending a familiar flutter to my heart.

  As we walked towards the mansion, the murmur of conversation grew louder, punctuated by bursts of laughter. Rounding a corner, the source of the sound came into view – a crowd of people gathered in the garden, a sea of unfamiliar faces swirling about under the bright decorative lights.

  Alexander's hand tightened around mine, his brow furrowing in what seemed like a mixture of annoyance and concern as he turned to look at me.

  "This," he muttered, his voice laced with a hint of apology, "is a bit more extravagant than I was expecting. It seems someone decided to… expand the guest list."