Laura stood at the door, frozen, staring at the scene unfolding inside, her ears ringing with the noise.
Darren raised his eyes and saw Laura at the doorway. He froze for a moment, then slightly turned his head, continuing the unfinished gesture.
The man cupped the woman's head with one hand and in full view of everyone, he pressed a kiss to her lips.
Tears quickly welled up in Laura's eyes.
It was only now that she understood. It wasn't that her uncle didn't want to find someone, nor was he cold and indifferent to everyone. It was just... she was never special to him.
Melanie smiled, leaning into Darren's arms with the disdain of someone in a superior position and let out a soft, mocking laugh.
"You must be Laura, right? I'm Melanie Rush. I've heard Darren mention you before. You're ... a very persistent girl, I hear you've confessed to Darren seven times, is that right?"
The people around them laughed in unison, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
Laura looked up at Darren in shock. Was her love just a tool for these people to mock?
The color drained from her face, leaving only a pale, hollow expression.