I had seen the flicker of unease in his eyes. I had mistaken it for excitement.
Turns out, he had known all along.
He had known that Nathalia would be here tonight.
As the auctioneer urged the guests to take their seats, a young man appeared by Nathalia’s side.
I recognized him instantly. He was a notorious playboy in our social circles, one who swapped women as easily as changing ties.
Then, as if on cue, Nathalia looped her arm through his and leaned into his chest, flashing a soft, practiced smile.
And in the next breath, Mathias seized my hand and yanked me into his embrace.
The shards of glass still embedded in his palm sliced into my skin. Pain shot through me, a sharp, searing sting, but he didn’t seem to notice.
His grip only tightened.
His dark eyes, once unreadable, now burned with an intensity so deep that they looked almost black.
A passing waiter noticed the situation and rushed over with bandages. His voice was tinged with concern as he asked if we needed medical assistance.
Only then did Mathias seem to return to himself.
His gaze dropped to my wrist, now bleeding as much as his own, and for the briefest moment, guilt flickered in his dark eyes.