Chapter 20
~ Franklin ~
It was my grandfather's seventy-fifth birthday, hosted at his expansive vacation estate in The Hamptons. The air was thick with the scent of sea salt and expensive perfume.
Outside, the paparazzi were thick as flies, their flashes illuminating Octavia and me as we performed the role of the perfect couple.
I knew those photos would be splashed across every tabloid by morning. When I finally found a moment to stand with a business associate, I glanced at Octavia.
She was physically there, draped in a stunning gown, but her soul was miles away.
She looked hollow.
"Stop sulking and act like you're enjoying the party," I leaned in, whispering harshly into her ear while maintaining a pleasant smile for the crowd.
"I'm not in the mood to pretend, Franklin," she whispered back, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.
"You have to. People are starting to talk. Straighten up and look happy."
