Esmeralda understood what was going on.

Her eyes dimmed, a faint bitterness welling up inside her.

Fleming glanced at Lucy. "How are you getting home?"

Lucy smiled. "The driver's waiting-I'll get a ride, don't worry about me."

At that, Elodie realized Fleming was probably planning to spend the evening with Esmeralda.

She turned to Esmeralda, who clenched her fists a little, trying to steady her nerves.

Elodie felt a twinge of concern. She reached out and ruffled Esmeralda's hair, murmuring, "Whatever you feel tonight, figure it out for yourself before you say anything. The two of you need to talk."

Whether it turned out well or not, only Esmeralda could truly sense it. Even if she, as an outsider, could see Fleming wasn't exactly enthusiastic, Esmeralda's feelings ran deep-no amount of advice could smooth them over.

Esmeralda only half understood.

Alexander stepped forward. Noticing the hope flickering on Esmeralda's face, his gaze softened. In the end, all he said was, "If you need anything, call me, all right?"

Esmeralda waved him off. "I know, you don't have to treat me like a kid."

Alexander left it at that, his eyes briefly sweeping over Fleming before he walked away.

Jarrod, unconcerned with anyone but Elodie, simply took her wrist and led her outside as the group dispersed.

Elodie glanced at his profile, wanting to ask him something-but held back.

the others leave, the

gotten into

grinned, glancing at Esmeralda. "Hey, keeping a fiancée secret from us? That's a new

chimed in, "Yeah, pretty cold of you.

completely uninterested in

laughed it off. "You know my

"He's not reserved with you. Spoils you

smiling quietly,

side, Esmeralda suddenly felt strangely out of

was to Lucy-how naturally she fit

had

mentioned her,

the woman he was about

thought. "Let's talk again soon. I'll leave you to

Lucy, maybe because Fleming was always so protective

herself choosing her

could

helped Lucy into the car, and leaned

out her tongue. "Alright, alright, you worry too

was something ordinary

her hands into

Heath got

only Fleming and

"Got any plans for

he asked made it clear he had no idea how to

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