At the mention of their names, Ray and Esme nodded in acknowledgment, both offering polite, measured smiles. Esme's eyes softened as she met Noah's gaze, her smile warm and genuine. But Noah, still distant, merely nodded again, his lips pressing into a thin line. His discomfort was evident, and the air around them seemed to tighten with unspoken tension.
Just as the silence threatened to become uncomfortable, Ray cleared his throat and stepped forward, a mischievous gleam already forming in his eyes. "Uh, excuse me," he interrupted with a playful lilt to his voice, "I think you forgot to mention something." He paused, his gaze flickering between Noah and Diana, who had suddenly stiffened at his words. "Her *eldest* husband," he added, emphasizing the word with a hint of amusement.
