They linked arms, gazing at each other’s eyes with full of affection… I blinked. A silent gasp slipped through my lips.

Caleb was the one Tess got engaged to? Achilles’s cousin?

Now that ‘V’ in her ring made sense. ‘V’ for Valencian. Caleb Valencian.

A pressure in my chest suddenly disappeared, filling it with air. They weren’t together.

“Em? Emerald? Is that you?” Caleb asked, recognition flickered in his caramel eyes. “Oh my God. It is the infamous Emerald Hutton who didn’t even give a call to this poor abandoned man all these years?”

I managed a smile. “Hey, Caleb.”

He engulfed me in a bear hug. And I couldn’t help but return his endearment. He was like a big brother to me. But in the process of distancing myself from a certain person, I cut ties with everyone involved with the Valencians.

He pulled away and put his hands on my shoulders. “Did anyone tell you what a beautiful woman you’ve grown up into?”

Chuckling, I shook my head. The grip around my glass remained firm. Any moment now.

“If you’ve stopped flirting with my sister, can I hug her now?” Tess raised her brow at Caleb.

Grinning, he placed a kiss on her temple. “You know I only have eyes for you, right?”

Rolling her eyes, she pushed him away and threw her arms around me. “You’re looking lovely!”

“So are you,” I said. Her gaze locked with mine. Something close to regret flashed in her eyes, and then something else which I couldn’t decipher.

“Emerald, I—”

“It’s time to dance,” Caleb interrupted. He gave Tess a look that didn’t go unnoticed.

What’s going on?

“Shall we?”

Blinking, Tess cleared her throat. She smiled and placed her hand on Caleb’s and together they skipped off to the dance floor. Mom and Dad got busy in conversation with some other couple.

Warner’s phone rang, interrupting him as he went to say something. Excusing himself, he walked away to attend the call.

Tobias noticed my wary glances. My uneasiness.

“Relax, everything will be fine.”

“What? Why did you say that?” I feigned confusion.

He sighed, shaking his head. “Nothing. You need another drink?” He jutted his chin at my empty glass.

I wanted to tell him to stay with me, but decided against it. “Sure.”

Nodding, he went to the bar to get us drinks.

I didn’t need anyone for support. I could deal with it alone. I wasn’t that naïve teenager anymore who would fall at his feet with just his one glance.

The hair at the back of my neck stood up. Goosebumps pricked on my skin.

Turning around, I observed my surroundings. Nothing seemed unusual.Then why did I feel like someone was watching me?