From the outset

Six

Ryan's POV:

Just as we were about to dig into our dinner. Victoria arrived, late as always making her presence known with a dramatic sweep of her arm. She greeted everyone with a warm smile.

Suddenly the atmosphere shifted.

I recalled our earlier conversation, over the phone.

"Hey, Sweet I'll be coming to the townhouse by evening ," she'd said.

"We've got plans, actually," I'd replied. "Emily's fiancé's family is hosting dinner. We're all heading there."

"Oh, sounds fancy! Can I join?" Victoria asked.

I'd hesitated, unsure if I wanted Victoria to meet Scarlett in this setting.

"Sure, I'll send you the address," I'd said finally.

Now, as Victoria arrived at dinner, fashionably late as always I wondered if I'd made a mistake

She made her way to the table taking a sit beside me, She kissed me on the cheek, her lips brushing against my skin. I caught Scarlett's gaze, noticing a flicker of surprise and jealousy if I wasn't mistaken.

"Victoria, this is Scarlett, Emily's best friend," I introduced, trying to sound casual.

"Scarlett meet my girlfriend Victoria I guess you are the only one who doesn't know her" I said staring into Scarlett eyes then I saw it there in her eyes she was jealous.

"but why."? I asked myself.

"Could it be? No it couldn't be" I said to myself waving the thought aside.

Victoria's smile faltered for a moment before she extended her hand. "Lovely to meet you, Scarlett."

" Same here." Scarlett replied with a smile.

Throughout dinner, Victoria dominated the conversation, boasting about her business deals. Scarlett listened intently, her expression polite.