From the outset

Seven

Scarlett's POV:

I sat frozen, my eyes fixed on the woman Ryan had just introduced as his girlfriend. Victoria. The name echoed in my mind like a cruel joke.

A pang of jealousy stabbed at my heart, refusing to be ignored. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.

As I forced a smile and exchanged pleasantries with Victoria, my mind reeled. This can't be real.

Ryan's eyes met mine, his expression searching. Did he sense the jealousy?

As we chatted, I couldn't help but compare myself to Victoria. Her elegance, her poise, her captivating smile... it all felt like a threat.

As we sat around the dinner table, laughter and conversation flowed effortlessly. Everyone seemed carefree, except Ryan.

I couldn't help but notice the subtle tension in his shoulders, the faint crease between his brows. Something was bothering him.

My curiosity piqued, I observed Ryan more closely. He smiled and joked, but his eyes lacked sparkle.

Emily, oblivious to Ryan's unease, chatted excitedly about her upcoming wedding.

I exchanged a discreet glance with Victoria, wondering if she'd noticed Ryan's mood. Her expression revealed nothing.

I noticed Ryan's unease whenever Victoria spoke. His smile seemed forced, his laughter a fraction too late.

Something was off.

Just then, Victoria's phone buzzed, shattering the evening calm.

"Excuse me," Victoria said, her smile apologetic. "I need to take this."

As she stood up, Ryan's eyes followed her, his gaze intense.

I sensed a flicker of tension in his shoulders, a subtle tightening of his jaw.

What was bothering Ryan?

Victoria walked away, her voice hushed as she answered the call.

Ryan's eyes lingered on her retreating figure, his expression unreadable.

As I watched Ryan's gaze follow Victoria, my curiosity intensified. What could be the matter with him?

Was it something Victoria had done?

Could he be having issues with Victoria?

I studied Ryan's face, searching for clues. His eyes still lingered on Victoria, his expression a mix of concern and... something else.

Unease? Distrust?

Or was it something more complex?

As Victoria returned to the table, her expression serene, Ryan's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Everything okay?" Emily asked, noticing the tension.

Victoria smiled. "Just work stuff."

Ryan's gaze lingered on Victoria, his expression skeptical.