𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒

43. 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘄

𝕰ngagement parties are meant to be fun, exciting, and happy for the lucky couple, but today's events dampened them.

While it sat in the back of their minds, the parties started, and many were thrilled to see Mal and Ben join the party as newly engaged.

As usual, Jay joined Rilynn. Their hands intertwined, and a small conversation took place, with occasional glances over her shoulder. It hadn't been that long ago when Rilynn met Audrey in the room, prompting her to join the party. Was it a good idea to invite her after what she had done?

It shouldn't have been Rilynn's place to do so, but Mal and Ben seemed worried about Audrey regardless of what happened. If they wanted to make a difference in how they looked at life, isolating Audrey would only make things worse. It was the reason this even happened.

"Stop worrying, Riles," Jay brushed Rilynn's hair while his eyes admired her closely. There was nothing wrong with her hair; Jay surprisingly showed his affection by touch. "I'm sure she'll show up."

Rilynn knows he's right. It was up to Audrey if she wanted to come to the party, but seeing as it was her ex's engagement party, the chances were slim. Rilynn doesn't know why she wants Audrey here so badly. Maybe she felt guilty for not seeing the signs or speaking up about Ben, but she does. Even though Audrey fought being her friend for so long, Rilynn was still nice to her.

"Yeah. I know."

"Lookin' good, guys!"

Carlos walks up with a wide grin, pulling Jay into one of their manly bro-hugs before turning to Rilynn.

Jay grins, grabbing Rilynn's hand and suddenly twirling her. "My girl looks better than me," she blushed as if it was their first date. Jay loves showering Rilynn with compliments--he enjoys watching her blush. "Flawless."

"Jay," Rilynn bows shyly, hiding her red face as it heats up under their stares.

"Way better looking than you," Carlos jokes.

Jay tips his head back, laughing hard as Rilynn leans into his chest. She smiled at his laughter, though the heat in her cheeks remained.

Evie bounced beside them with a kick in her step. "You look stunning in that dress I made," Evie pressed a hand to her chest, admiring the dress with pride. "I'm good at what I do."

Rilynn finally lifted her chin. "I had no doubts."

"You both look beautiful," Doug walks over with a friendly smile, arm wrapping around Evie's waist.

"And you look handsome, Doug," Rilynn patted his suit. She noticed something different about it. Rilynn squinted at Doug's suit. "Did you make his suit, Evie?"

Evie grinned smugly while acting coy. "I wanted us to match."

"Rilynn!" Jane rushed behind the princess, pulling her out of Jay's grasp and into her arms. "I haven't seen you since in the forest! Are you alright? What happened while you were with Audrey?"

"I'm okay, Jane. Nothing bad happened," she reassured.

Jane sighed. "Phew! That's good. I'm glad to see you're okay!"

Rilynn smiled, and her eyes flickered when she noticed a familiar face behind Jane; Audrey was standing beside her grandmother, looking uncomfortable around everyone. They all stared at her with disdain and fear, but most had no idea that Audrey would be there. No doubt, wondering who would've invited her to the party.

Audrey kept to herself and didn't attempt to rekindle any conversation with the other students. Her head stayed low, and her gaze focused on her shoes. Chad somehow found himself standing beside her, wanting to accompany her, even after everything, but Audrey didn't look like she'd been listening to anything he was saying.