Rachel's heart raced as she saw Nick sitting there, unannounced. No one had bothered to tell her he would be joining this event. She gritted her teeth, pinching her lap beneath the table to control her anger.
She forced a smile at Nick and replied through clenched teeth, "I doubt I'll ever forget your proposal, Nick. It was quite unforgettable."
"That's reassuring," Sarah chimed in, smiling warmly.
"Indeed," Nick added, nonchalantly plucking a grape from the table and tossing it into his mouth before planting a tender kiss on mother's cheek. He settled into the chair beside her, all the while keeping his eyes locked onto Rachel.
Rachel couldn't tear her gaze away; their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. Nick wore a sly smirk, while Rachel struggled not to glare.
"Hello, Mrs. Ross," Nick finally broke the tension as he turned to address Maria, Rachel's mother. "You look absolutely stunning today."
Maria replied with a gracious smile, "Thank you."
