I finished packing and left the room, a heavy weight settling in my chest. The kiss replayed in my mind, clouding my thoughts with confusion and guilt. What had I gotten myself into? I made my way to Eloise's room, hoping the hot bath would help me clear my head. But as I sank into the water, the memory of last night lingered—the warmth of the hug, the unexpected kiss. My life had just gotten a whole lot more complicated.

I found Nadia watching TV while Eloise was on the phone.

"You're finally awake. We didn't want to wake you; you seemed so tired," Nadia said with a warm smile.

"I needed the rest—last night was tough for us all," I replied, attempting to sound more composed than I felt.

Eloise hung up the phone and turned to me, her face soft with concern.

"Addie, how are you feeling?" she asked gently.

"Better than I did last night, that's for sure," I replied, managing a small smile.

"I'm glad to hear that." She paused before adding, "I was just on the phone with a security company—I want them to provide security for today and tomorrow. We can't be too careful after what happened."

"You don't have to. I doubt the man will return," I said, though I understood her concern.

"We can't take chances," she insisted firmly.

"Eloise, I wanted to let you know Tendai will be here shortly. I told him about what happened, and he wants to be with me."

"It's okay, Addie—he can come," she said without hesitation.

"Thanks."

I grabbed a bowl of cereal for breakfast and waited for Tendai. "Eloise, is Nikita coming in today?" I asked.

"No, I told her not to come. We'll cook for ourselves," Eloise responded, her tone casual.

"I'll cook lunch," I offered, trying to lift the mood.

"Thanks," Nadia said with a sheepish grin. "I don't know how to cook."

"We'll handle the rest," Eloise added, glancing between us with a smile.

We chatted about the unsettling events of the previous night, each of us sharing the fear we had felt. The memory still lingered heavily in the air. I was in the middle of speaking when my phone buzzed—Tendai had texted me that he was outside.

"I'll be right back," I said, getting up to open the door for him. The moment I opened it, he pulled me into a tight hug.

"I'm sorry about what happened," he whispered.

I felt a wave of emotion hit me, and for a second, I almost let the tears fall, but I held them back. Not now, I told myself. "Let's go to the living room," I said, softly breaking the hug.

Tendai entered the house, he greeted Eloise and Nadia before following me into the living room for some privacy. Once we sat down, he turned to me, his brow furrowed with concern.

"What happened last night?" Tendai asked gently, his voice filled with genuine worry.

"I was asleep when I felt someone tapping me—it was Grayson," I began, my voice trembling slightly. Tendai's eyes were locked on mine, his concern palpable. "He told me there was a thief in the house. He had locked the door, but…" I paused, swallowing hard as my throat tightened. "The thief shot it open."

Tendai's expression darkened, and I could see the shock in his eyes as I continued.

"Grayson tackled him, and I—" My voice cracked as the memory came flooding back. "I managed to take the gun."

Tears welled up, and I couldn't hold them back anymore. I wiped at my eyes, but they kept falling.

"The thief ran out and drove away," I choked out, my breathing shaky. Tendai placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, but it didn't stop the sobs from escaping. "When the police came… they said he wasn't just a thief but a killer."

I looked up at Tendai, my voice breaking as the weight of it all crashed down on me.

"He came to murder me, Tendai."

And with that, I let the tears flow freely.

Tendai held me for a few minutes as I sobbed. I cried on his T- shirt but he didn't seem to mind. 

"I'm sorry, Addie," Tendai said softly once my tears subsided, his voice full of genuine concern. "Do the police have any leads on this killer?"

I shook my head, wiping at my face again. "Not much. They took the gun and got the license plate from the camera footage. Detective Zahara said she'd let us know once they confirm the license plate and the owner of the gun, I said, remembering what she had told me. 

Tendai's brow furrowed in frustration. "This is insane. Do they think he'll try again?"

"I don't know," I admitted, the thought sending a shiver down my spine. "But I can't shake the feeling that it's not over."

"I need to thank Grayson for saving your life,"Tendai said, surprising me with his gratitude.

I was relieved that he set aside his issues with Grayson, at least for now.

"Who would want to kill me?" I murmured, the weight of the thought sinking in.

Tendai's voice cut through my anxiety, blunt as ever. "Addie, isn't it obvious? It's Kemi."

I recoiled slightly. "It can't be her!"

"Her mom poured acid on your mom. What makes you think she wouldn't do something like this?" Tendai continued, his gaze sharp. "Who else would want you dead if not her?"

His words hit hard. It could be Kemi. But how? How did she go from high school rivalry to hiring a hitman? The thought churned my stomach.

Just then, Grayson entered the living room, his steps hesitant. He looked at us, his eyes flicking between Tendai and me.

Tendai broke the tension. "Grayson, I want to thank you for protecting Addie's life."

Grayson's gaze fell to the floor, the humility in his body language surprising. "I would've done it for anyone," he mumbled.

Tendai nodded, his tone softening. "Thanks for doing it. It was heroic."

Grayson looked up briefly, his expression conflicted, as though unsure of how to accept the praise.

Grayson nodded and left the room. They might never be friends, but perhaps they could coexist without conflict.

"Addie, I'm so hungry," Tendai said, rubbing his stomach. "I had just woken up when you told me about what happened. I rushed here immediately."

I gave him a soft smile, appreciating his concern. "Let me cook something for you," I offered, standing up.

"Thanks," he said, already pulling out his phone and settling into the couch to play a game while I headed to the kitchen.

I heard the doorbell ring as I cooked some sausages I had removed from the fridge. Someone opened the door. I heard Mae's voice filter through. 

"Hi, Mae," Eloise greeted her, sounding polite yet slightly tense.

"Hi. I'm sorry to come unannounced," Mae replied, her tone sincere. "Grayson told me about last night, and I had to come see him."

"It's fine," Eloise said, though I could sense the underlying stress in her voice from all the unexpected visitors.

Eloise came into the kitchen, looking a bit overwhelmed. "Addie, I'm not used to having so many people over."

I smiled reassuringly. "It's okay. Let me help you out."

"We probably can't go out as planned today," Eloise sighed, leaning against the counter.

"What if we have a party on the terrace tonight instead?" I suggested, hoping to lift her spirits.

Her eyes brightened at the idea. "That's a good idea. We're already six, so we can definitely make it work."

"I heard 'party'," Tendai said, walking into the kitchen with a grin. "Can we invite more people?"

Tendai didn't seem to realize that Eloise wasn't used to having large gatherings at her house. 

"It'll just be the six of us," I said, trying to temper his enthusiasm.

Tendai's face fell slightly, but before he could respond, Eloise spoke up. "Invite your friends," she said with a small smile. "The more, the merrier."

"Are you sure it's okay?" I asked, surprised by her sudden change of heart.

Eloise nodded. "It's fine. This house is always so quiet, let it be filled with people today. I'll go buy some alcohol and snacks to prepare," she added, walking off before either of us could respond.

Once Eloise was out of earshot, I turned to Tendai. "Eloise isn't used to hosting people."

"What? This beautiful house, and she's never thrown a party?" he asked, bewildered.

"Tendai, it's not about the house," I began, trying to explain, but he shook his head.

"Addie, everyone's got to start somewhere. So what if she's not used to it? There's always a first time. She'll figure it out, and it'll be fun."

I wanted to argue, to defend Eloise's reserved nature, but Tendai's optimism was hard to challenge. Instead, I turned to the stove, serving him the sausages, toast, and coffee I'd prepared.

"Thanks, this looks good," Tendai said, digging in with his usual appetite.

I served myself some breakfast and stood at the counter next to him enjoying my meal.

"Thanks," he said, giving me an appreciative smile as he ate.

I set the dishes inside the dishwasher once we were done with breakfast. "Tendai, I'm going to start on lunch. Eloise said the help isn't coming in today," I mentioned, wiping my hands dry.

"I'll cook with you," he offered. "What shall we prepare?"

Earlier, I had checked the cabinets and fridge, noticing potatoes, onions, bell peppers, chicken breasts, and a few spices. "Chicken and vegetable stir-fry with roasted potatoes," I suggested.

"Sounds good," Tendai nodded. "I'm on board. Let's get to work."

We exchanged smiles and got to work. Tendai started peeling the potatoes while I focused on chopping the chicken and vegetables. The rhythm of our movements blended into a calm, shared silence, broken only by the sounds of knives on cutting boards and the soft peeling of potatoes.

"How are the potatoes coming along?" I asked, glancing over as I tossed the bell peppers into a pan.

"Almost done," Tendai replied with a grin. "You're pretty fast with that knife."

I smiled, feeling a sense of ease wash over me. Cooking together like this felt natural, like a moment where everything else faded away.

The aroma of the chicken cooking with bell peppers and onions quickly filled the kitchen, and Nadia wandered in, drawn by the smell. "It smells really nice," she said. I offered her some sausages that were left over from breakfast.

Tendai and I finished cooking lunch by 2 p.m., and the food smelled absolutely delicious.

We moved out of the kitchen, smiling and proud of ourselves. "Let's hang out on the terrace," I suggested.

I led Tendai upstairs to the terrace, where we relaxed in the comfortable outdoor seating area. The weather was pleasant, and the fresh air was refreshing.

We listened to music and danced, with Tendai teaching me the Kompa dance once more. It was fun and made me forget about the events of the previous night, including Grayson. I enjoyed the moment, letting myself get lost in the music and the lighthearted atmosphere with Tendai.

Tendai and I decided to head indoors for lunch when it was 3 p.m. We found Eloise, Grayson, Mae, and Nadia already seated at the dining table, enjoying their meal.

"Addie, thanks for the lunch," Eloise said with a warm smile.

"Thanks," Grayson added, his tone sincere.

"I love it," Nadia said, her face lighting up.

"Thanks," Mae said quietly. Seeing her next to Grayson stirred a pang of jealousy in me.

Tendai and I went to the kitchen to serve ourselves, then joined the group at the table. The room was filled with the gentle clinking of plates and forks as we ate.

After a while, Tendai broke the silence. "Let's go swimming after lunch."

"Can I join you?" Nadia asked eagerly.

"Yes," Tendai replied with a nod.

"I'd like to, but I feel like I'm third-wheeling," Eloise said, her voice tinged with reluctance.

"You're not," I assured her.

Mae and Grayson didn't respond, so we took that as a sign they weren't interested. I didn't press them to join us. I knew Mae loved swimming—something we used to do together often. The thought of it brought back a mix of fond and bittersweet memories.

Once we were all done with lunch, Nadia loaded the dishwasher and turned it on. Meanwhile, Eloise searched for swimming shorts for Tendai, and I headed upstairs to change into my swimming costume. By the time I came back, Tendai had already changed into the shorts Eloise found for him.

The four of us headed downstairs to the basement pool, where the water was crystal clear, reflecting the soft light from above. The temperature was just right—cool and refreshing, perfect for a relaxing swim. We swam a few laps, enjoying the smooth glide through the water, before deciding to make things more fun with a game of water polo.

We had a lot of fun, the pool filled with laughter and the sound of splashing water. Tendai kept diving for the ball with exaggerated moves, making us all burst into laughter. Nadia, despite her smaller frame, was surprisingly quick and agile, darting around us to score goals with ease. Eloise cheered loudly, her face bright with excitement, her usual calm demeanor gone in the heat of the game.

The water seemed to energize us, and we forgot about everything else, caught up in the carefree joy of the moment. Every goal was met with cheers or playful jeers, and even when someone missed, we couldn't stop laughing. The water felt cool against our skin, and the afternoon sun filtered in through the small windows, casting a soft glow over the pool.

Mae and Grayson must have gotten bored upstairs because, out of nowhere, we noticed them standing at the edge of the pool. None of us had heard or seen them arrive. Mae stood there, her eyes glimmering with interest, clearly wanting to join in.

"Join us!" Eloise called out cheerfully, her smile wide and welcoming.

Grayson, on the other hand, looked distant. "Maybe next time," he said, his voice detached, as if his mind was elsewhere.

"I have no costume," Mae added, her voice tinged with a bit of regret as she glanced at the water.

"You can grab one of mine from my bedroom," Eloise offered generously.

Mae didn't need any more convincing. Moments later, she was back, jumping into the pool with an excited splash, sending a wave of water over Grayson, who was seated on the side. He flinched, his expression briefly annoyed, but he stayed silent, watching us. Mae, however, didn't seem to notice as she was excited about being in the water.

"Are you sure you don't want to join us?" Tendai asked, trying to bridge the gap between them.

"No, I'm good," Grayson replied, his voice flat.

It had started as a lighthearted game: Tendai and me against Eloise and Nadia, and we were winning by a comfortable margin. But when Mae joined their team, the whole dynamic shifted. From the moment she jumped in, I knew we were in for a challenge. Mae had always been excellent at water polo, and her competitive spirit quickly reignited.

With Mae on their side, Eloise and Nadia became more coordinated. Mae was everywhere at once—blocking our shots, intercepting passes, and making sharp, strategic plays. Tendai and I did our best to hold our lead, but Mae was relentless, her skills bringing back memories of the times when we were once on the same side, unbeatable.

There was a moment when Mae made an impressive play, launching the ball over Tendai's head to Eloise, who scored effortlessly. We both exchanged a glance, and for a split second, it felt like we were back in the past, laughing and cheering each other on. That old connection, the bond we used to share, flickered back to life.

Despite our best efforts, they caught up to us. The game ended with Mae's team winning by just a single point. Eloise and Nadia erupted in cheers, and even though Tendai and I lost, I felt an odd sense of contentment.

As I caught my breath, I found myself smiling, despite the loss. Seeing Mae so happy, watching her reconnect with something we used to share—it brought a wave of nostalgia. For that brief moment, I felt like we were the same carefree friends we had been many months ago, before everything changed.

"That game was exhilarating," I said, stepping out of the pool, water dripping from my hair.

"Yes," Tendai agreed, still catching his breath. "It was really fun. I enjoyed myself."

"Mae, you should teach us how to play like you," Eloise said, smiling, her admiration for Mae evident.

"Yeah, that would be awesome!" Nadia chimed in, her eyes bright with excitement.

Mae laughed softly. "Maybe if you invite me over more often."

"Can she come over more often?" Nadia asked, turning to Eloise.

Eloise hesitated, glancing at me with uncertainty. She knew about my falling out with Mae and seemed unsure of how to handle the situation.

Grayson, sensing the tension, stepped in. "Nadia, we can't always be at Eloise's place. It's not our home," he said calmly, diffusing the awkwardness. Eloise looked visibly relieved by his intervention.

I left Tendai changing in the basement bedroom and continued upstairs with the others, feeling curious. Why hadn't Grayson joined us in the fun? The question nagged at me as I replayed the scene in my head. For a brief moment during the game, I'd caught him staring at us with a look that almost seemed... wistful, as if he wanted to be part of it but was holding himself back. Before I could fully process it, I'd looked away, pretending not to notice.

What's stopping him?

Eloise, Nadia, and I entered Eloise's bedroom while Mae and Grayson headed to his. "Nadia, why doesn't Grayson swim?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"He fears swimming because when he was younger, he almost drowned," she revealed, her voice soft with empathy. "The swim instructor had many children she was training and forgot about him. He was saved by one of the kids who told the instructor that he was drowning."

"That's heartbreaking. I'm really sorry to hear that," I said, feeling a wave of sympathy for Grayson wash over me.

"I didn't know that," Eloise added, her voice soft with emotion.

"He doesn't like to tell people because he doesn't want to be pitied," Nadia explained, her face clouded with concern.

"I get that," I said, feeling my chest tighten with empathy for him. I felt bad for him.

I took a shower and changed into a nice dress for the party. Nadia entered the bathroom after me.

"Your dress is lovely," Eloise said when I emerged.

"Thanks," I replied, smiling.

"Eloise, Tendai, and I will work on the snacks," I announced.

"Thanks for cooking for us," Eloise said with a grateful smile. "The rest of us will handle everything else."

"What ingredients did you buy?" I asked, feeling excited about the party.

"I bought ground beef, avocados, potatoes, and a variety of fruits—mangoes, watermelon, and grapes. Oh, and cheese for a cheese platter," Eloise replied.

I headed downstairs and found Tendai already in the living room, his usual grin in place.

"Looking sharp," he teased.

"Thanks," I replied with a playful smile.

"Finger foods mostly," I replied, trying to think of something quick and easy. "We'll make sliders, guacamole, chips and a fruit platter with mangoes, watermelon, and grapes. And maybe a cheese platter for something extra."

Tendai raised an eyebrow. "Sounds fancy. I will start with the sliders. I've got some grilling skills, you know," he said with a playful wink.

I chuckled. "Alright, chef Tendai, the grill's all yours. I'll start on the guac and fruit platter. Let's make this party memorable."

"Deal," he said, his eyes lighting up.

We worked quietly until we completed preparing everything. Tendai left to call his friends. I stayed behind, tidying up the kitchen and making sure all the snacks were neatly arranged on trays. As I wiped down the counters, I heard footsteps approaching.

Grayson walked into the kitchen. "Eloise wants me to check if you're done with the snacks," he said, his tone calm. "She's busy setting up the house."

"Yeah, we're all set," I replied, gesturing to the trays. "Everything's ready to go."

Grayson nodded, his eyes briefly scanning the room before landing on me again. There was a moment of silence between us before I spoke. 

"Thank you for saving me," I said softly. I hadn't properly thanked him yet.

"I would've done that for anyone," he said, then added, "Darkie."

I bristled, my mood flipping instantly. I wanted to snap at him, but before I could, he spoke again.

"I'm sorry. I was only joking," Grayson said, his voice softer, almost hesitant.

I clenched the counter, frustration bubbling inside me. "Just when I think you're good, you do something that makes me hate you again," I said sharply, unable to hold back.

He looked taken aback, his expression briefly clouding with disappointment. "So you admit to liking me now?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Maybe one minute ago, I didn't think you were so bad. But now? I feel exactly how I did before last night's attack. I hate you."

Grayson looked genuinely disappointed. "I'm sorry for calling you that. I won't do it again."

He shifted, looking uncomfortable. "Eloise said I should also help you carry the snacks to the terrace if I find that you're done," he added, trying to ease the tension.

"Fine, just let me finish up here," I replied, softening my tone a bit. "The snacks are almost ready."

As I finished arranging the snacks on the trays, I couldn't help but notice the way he watched me, he didn't take his eyes off me. It was hard to reconcile the person who'd hurt me so much was the very one who saved my life last night.

Mae walked into the kitchen, and the tension was palpable. She looked from me to Grayson, assessing the situation. "Grayson, Eloise told me to help you carry the snacks up," she said, her tone serious.

"I'm waiting for her to finish arranging the snacks," Grayson replied, glancing at me.

"It's all ready now," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. Grayson picked up a tray and walked out of the kitchen, leaving an awkward silence behind.

Mae gave me a look that felt heavy with unspoken words before she followed him out with a tray of her own. It had been nice earlier hanging out with her, but now everything felt strained again. I wasn't even talking to Grayson, so why did she seem so insecure?

Since I was done with my task, it was now time for me to relax. I walked out of the kitchen to find that Eloise had hidden the expensive paintings and vases, likely to avoid any potential mishaps. 

Music was blaring from upstairs. I went to Eloise' bedroom to change out of the dress that I had on because it smelled like the food I had been cooking.

Once I was ready, I opened the door that led to the terrace, eager to enjoy the evening. The upbeat sounds of a party playlist filled the air, and I recognized it as Tendai's choice. He was dancing while Nadia stood on the side laughing, clearly enjoying his moves.

Eloise had set up a table for the snacks, but the chairs were gone, creating an open space for dancing. 

"Come dance with me!" Tendai said, walking over and grabbing my hand, leading me into the rhythm. I started dancing with him, feeling lighter.

Grayson walked in with Mae, both carrying trays. I noticed a flash of jealousy cross Grayson's face as he placed the tray on the table and turned to leave.

"Where are you going? That was the last tray," Mae asked, her voice tinged with confusion.

"I need to use the bathroom," Grayson replied, avoiding eye contact as he disappeared inside, leaving Mae standing there awkwardly.

"Come join us, Nadia!" I called out, and she eagerly rushed over, dancing excitedly alongside us. Just then, Eloise came upstairs with Andrew. Mae became excited because she hugged Andrew immediately. I didn't know they had remained friends.

Andrew didn't say a word to me as he and Mae began dancing next to us. I tried to push aside any awkwardness and focused on Tendai and Nadia. We continued dancing, lost in the moment and having the time of our lives. 

I noticed Grayson only returned to the terrace when his friends Elijah and Noah arrived. 

Tendai was practically bouncing with excitement when Fajir, Fajir's girlfriend Janine, Dennis, and the rest of his friends arrived. I decided to give them space to catch up and started scanning the terrace to see who else had shown up.

I spotted some of our classmates: Cameron, Ophelia, Ceyair Stevens, and even Bruce. I raised an eyebrow at the sight of him, wondering who had invited him. Girls often drooled over his good looks and athletic build, thanks to his rugby prowess, but many couldn't stand him for being so braggy and boastful. 

Eloise had also invited her drama club friends, who were now gathered with Nadia, chatting excitedly. Their laughter mingled with the music, creating an atmosphere that felt both vibrant and chaotic. I couldn't help but smile at the energy around me, even if a part of me still felt the weight of last night's events.

"Hi, Adessa, I wanted to ask you about what will happen to Sabrina Barre," a Year Ten girl I had never spoken to asked.

"I'm not sure," I replied, trying to keep my cool.

"Midnight," I heard Elijah say as he walked past us, his tone dripping with something I couldn't ignore.

Fueled by anger, I poured my drink on him. "It was just a joke," he said, his face contorted in anger as he stalked off to clean his shirt.

I couldn't help but wonder what Grayson thought about his friend being racist towards me. Maybe he was the one who had sent him to say that. Scanning the terrace, I finally spotted him, laughing and drinking with Noah.

"Addie, what about your dad?" the Year Ten girl pressed, her curiosity cutting through my thoughts.

I turned to face her, my patience thinning. "I don't know; wait for the trial," I snapped, then headed straight for Grayson. 

"Stop sending your friends to abuse me," I said, my voice rising enough to catch everyone's attention.

"I haven't sent anyone to abuse you," he shot back, looking genuinely confused.

Just then, Tendai walked up to us. "Addie, what's going on?"

"Elijah called me Midnight, and I poured my drink on him. Him, Grayson and Noah are fond of insulting me!" I exclaimed, my anger bubbling over.

Tendai's fists clenched, ready to confront Grayson. But Grayson raised his hands defensively. "I didn't say it," he insisted.

"He didn't send him to say it," Noah interjected, stepping in front of Grayson. "I did."

Grayson swung at Noah, the punch landing hard and sending him sprawling to the ground. "Don't ever do that again," he warned, his voice low and fierce as he turned on his heel and walked away.

The atmosphere shifted, students glancing between the two of them, murmurs rising in a mixture of shock and intrigue. I stood there, heart racing, caught between wanting to intervene and the chaos unfolding around me.

"Grayson has finally developed some sense," Tendai said, his voice warm and reassuring, trying to lighten the mood.

"Come on, let's dance," he said, leading me to the center of the terrace. As the music pulsed around us, I allowed myself to get lost in the rhythm, grateful for the distraction. Tendai's laughter echoed in my ears, and for a moment, the tension faded away, replaced by the exhilaration of the moment.

After a while, I felt an urgent need to pee. "I need to use the bathroom," I said, breaking away from the music and Tendai's infectious energy. "Be back soon."

"Okay," he replied with a nod, his smile never fading as he continued dancing. I weaved my way through the crowd, the party's energy buzzing around me, and headed to use the bathroom in my Eloise's room. Mae was waiting outside when I got out. 

"Addie, why are you obsessed with Grayson?" Mae's voice trembled slightly, her words filled with frustration. "You always find a way to be in his space. Earlier in the kitchen, you made him watch you while you worked. And just a few minutes ago, you accused him of sending his friend to abuse you. And last night…" Her tone shifted, anger rising.

"Last night," she continued, voice shaking, "you were locked up with him when the thief attacked. I don't believe his story that he came in to save you. He was already inside here with you, doing God knows what!"

Her eyes burned with jealousy and suspicion, as if she was desperately trying to make sense of something that didn't fit into her world.

Her words hit me hard, and I felt a sharp pang of guilt.

"Mae, he found me here in Eloise's house. I didn't go looking for him. She invited me, not him. He came here because of some issues at home with his mother. If you love him so much, why didn't you offer him somewhere to stay?"

"You know very well that my parents can't accept that!" Mae snapped, frustration lacing her voice. "Which is exactly why Grayson came here."

I could feel the heat rising in my chest, but I kept my voice steady. "He found me here. I'm friends with Eloise, so if you have complaints or disappointments, take them to him."

Mae's eyes darkened with something close to resentment. "Leave my boyfriend alone," she said, her voice cold.

"Mae, what happened to us?" I asked, my voice softening, searching her face for some trace of the bond we used to share. "Surely, you can't still be mad about the Reina Thingz situation?"

"It's everything, Addie," she replied bitterly. "Jensen always chose you, and you were never even grateful. He liked you, and you never even noticed him. I wanted all the things he gave you. But he only ever gave them to you."

"Mae, did you love Jensen?" I asked gently, trying to make sense of her resentment.

"No, I didn't love him," she admitted, shaking her head. But everything always came easy for you—your parents' love, Jensen's affection, your friendships…everything." She let out a sigh. "I had a tough childhood. I had to compete with my siblings for my parents' attention. No boyfriend. I struggled with money problems."

"But you have it all now," I pointed out, trying to understand why she still felt this way. "You have a rich boyfriend. Andrew's your friend, and he adores you just like Jensen did with me. You go to all the nice parties. So why are you still jealous?"

She hesitated, a bitter smile forming. "Ever since I had laser eye surgery in Brussels, my eyesight is better. I even had rhinoplasty," she admitted, a hint of pride in her voice. "It's been life-changing for me. I realized that being friends with the wrong people can hold you back. I don't plan on ever doing that again."

Mae's gaze hardened. "Yeah, you might've leveled up by dating Tendai, but you're just a rebound. After he's done with you, he'll return to the gorgeous girls who are his type."

"I didn't think you were this shallow," I shot back. "You're focused only on outward beauty." I paused, staring her down. "I'll ask you the same thing I asked Kemi—if I'm not 'gorgeous' like you're insinuating, then why are you so worried about me being alone with Grayson?"

Mae's expression faltered, speechless for the first time, and I didn't give her the chance to recover. I walked away before she could make a comeback.

When I returned to the terrace, Tendai was chatting with Fajir. He noticed me immediately. "You were gone long," he said, his tone light but curious.

"Long line," I lied smoothly.

Feeling the gnawing hunger creep in, I headed over to the snack table. Most of the food was gone, but I managed to grab some chips and guac. I needed something in my stomach to help me shake off the frustration.

I was munching on my chips when I noticed Eloise, who had been chatting with Nadia, suddenly go silent. Her expression shifted, and in an instant, I saw fear flicker in her eyes. My stomach tightened as I followed her gaze, wondering what had caused that sudden change in her.

I turned to see Tyler standing there—an unwelcome presence that made my stomach churn. It was clear that Tendai had invited him. How could he invite someone who had caused Eloise so much pain?

I needed to tell him to leave.

Suddenly, Grayson pounced on Tyler. "You have the audacity to show yourself here after what you did," he shouted, his anger palpable.

Grayson punched Tyler and jumped on top of him, continuing to beat him up. The music abruptly stopped, and confusion spread among the guests.

Tendai intervened, pulling Grayson off Tyler.

"She is lying to you," Tyler said, his voice weak.

Grayson was ready to beat him again.

"Tendai, he needs to leave," I said, my voice strained.

Tendai helped Tyler up and led him away. I followed them as they walked through the house, my heart pounding with worry and frustration.