Chapter 33: Losing the Game

Ariana's grip tightened around her glass.

Leila's words slithered through her mind, leaving a sting she couldn't ignore.

She forced a smirk. "Drown? Please. I've been swimming in deep waters my whole life."

Leila chuckled, low and knowing. "And yet… you look like you're sinking."

Ariana took a slow sip of her drink, refusing to let her hands shake.

This was Leila's game—pushing, pulling, waiting for Ariana to crack.

She wouldn't.

Not now. Not ever.

Ariana set her glass down, turning to face Leila fully. "You're awfully invested in me. Should I be flattered?"

Leila leaned in, just enough for Ariana to catch the faint scent of her perfume.

Ariana hated how it made her chest tighten.

Leila smirked. "Oh, darling… you should be terrified."

Ariana's breath hitched.

Too close.

She should move. She should say something sharp, cut through the tension before it suffocated her.

But before she could, Ryan's voice cut through the air.

"Ari, there you are."

Ariana jolted back.

Ryan approached with a casual grin, but his gaze flickered between her and Leila.

The air was charged, and he wasn't stupid.

Leila smirked, leaning back. Untouched. Unbothered.

Ariana exhaled, schooling her expression as Ryan reached her side.

He slipped an arm around her waist. "Come dance with me."

Ariana hesitated.

Leila was still watching. Waiting.

Ariana could walk away. Prove she wasn't affected.

So why did it feel like running?

Leila tilted her head, lips quirking up.

A silent challenge.

Ariana's pulse pounded.

Ryan squeezed her waist. "Ari?"

She swallowed. Made her choice.

She turned to Ryan with a dazzling smile.

"Let's dance."

But as he pulled her toward the dance floor, Ariana made one mistake—

She looked back.

And Leila was still watching.

Still smirking.

Still winning.