The engagement dinner was small and intimate.
Amara almost didn't go, but Tolu insisted on accompanying her.
"If he's going to break your heart, at least let me be there to insult him," Tolu whispered as they entered.
Amara laughed nervously.
Then she saw him.
Daniel stood at the center of the room, dressed in a navy suit. He looked confident, composed… until his eyes landed on her.
Everything changed.
He froze.
For a moment, the room disappeared. It was just the two of them again.
Then a woman stepped beside him.
Sophia.
She was stunning , tall, elegant, and confident. The kind of woman who looked like she belonged next to Daniel.
Amara felt something twist in her stomach.
Daniel walked toward her.
"You came," he said.
"I said I would."
Sophia joined them, smiling politely. "You must be Amara. I've heard so much about you."
Amara forced a smile. "All good things, I hope."
Sophia's smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Of course."
Daniel looked uncomfortable.
Tolu leaned toward Amara and whispered, "I don't like her."
Amara nudged her lightly.
Throughout the evening, Amara could feel Daniel's gaze on her. Every time she laughed with Tolu, every time she looked away, he was watching.
And Sophia noticed.
At one point, Sophia placed her hand on Daniel's arm and pulled him closer.
The message was clear.
He was hers.
Amara looked away, pretending it didn't hurt.
But inside, she felt something breaking.
And she didn't know if she would be able to put it back together again. At a point felt like she made the biggest mistake by coming to the engagement but for some reason still decided to stay till the end.