Emmett probably didn’t even realize it, but Athena had long noticed his tell, a subtle nose rub he couldn’t seem to resist whenever a lie slipped past his lips.
She didn’t call him out on it. Instead, she sat in silence, her heart growing colder with each passing second.
A month ago, Emmett went on a business trip. What was his destination? Canada. The coincidence left a bitter taste she couldn’t shake.
And Aliana’s so-called first love, the man she hadn’t seen in five years, turned out to be none other than Athena’s fiancé, Emmett.
Emmett lingered by Athena’s side, enthusiastically discussing wedding plans. His words spilled out in an endless stream as if he couldn’t contain his excitement. To anyone watching, he seemed completely genuine.
It wasn’t until his phone buzzed with a call from work that he finally rose to leave. Leaning down, he pressed a lingering kiss to her cheek and said, "Athena, we’re going to be so happy."
Athena’s lips curved into a faint smile, a practiced gesture she’d perfected over the years.
She had once believed those words with all her heart.