Stefan and Erick laughed, their chuckles filling the air.
âLetâs go.
â With a warm smile, Stefan offered Raegan his arm, and together they walked toward the gathered guests, a united front.
Raegan looked around, seeing a few familiar faces from Aurora.
Given that this was a pretend wedding, and considering the sensitive circumstances, the guest list had been limited to only those from Aurora.
However, Hector, a business associate of the Clifford family from their overseas dealings, was a notable exception among the guests.
Noticing Raeganâs unease, Stefan offered a reassuring touch, gently patting the back of her hand.
âStay close to me.
â
Fortunately, the toasting ceremony soon drew to a close.
Stefan seized on Raeganâs exhaustion as a pretext to usher her away for a much-needed rest.
As they approached the exit, a low voice unexpectedly resonated.
âThe bride departs so soon?â
âs BunnyBookery Raeganâs gaze met the manâs, his slicked-back hair revealing a mature face with strong, earnest features that exuded a steady, reassuring presence.
Despite his middle-aged appearance, he carried himself with a refined, sophisticated air that commanded attention.
Resplendent in a vivid red velvet suit, the luxurious fabric shimmered strikingly under the light, yet he wore it with a quiet confidence that belied any hint of ostentation or impropriety, as if he were born to wear such vibrant splendor.
The manâs gaze met Raeganâs, holding her eyes for a moment.
Raeganâs mind reeled, and she instinctively took a step back.
Luckily, Stefan was quick to react, catching Raegan by the elbow and steadying her before she could stumble.
However, the brief disturbance didnât go unnoticed by the man standing before them.
The manâs lips curled into a subtle, enigmatic smile as he asked, âMiss Foster, do you recall who I am?â
His tone was calm, yet it exerted a palpable pressure, like a gentle yet insistent probing that demanded a response.
Raeganâs body shook with a subtle tremor, her face instantly draining of color, leaving her pale and clammy.
A creeping sense of dread washed over her.
But recognizing her reaction was disproportionate, she swiftly composed herself, taking a deep breath before speaking.
âSir, I donât actually know you.
I must have twisted my ankle just now.
â
However, the manâs piercing gaze lingered, his deep voice asking, âMiss Foster, why do you look so afraid?â
His piercing, icy gaze seemed to bore into her, its intensity laced with a subtle, unsettling menace.
Raeganâs heart raced wildly, her panic surging as she struggled to withstand the intensity of his piercing gaze.
Stefan interjected smoothly, âDavey, Raeganâs unease stems not from fear of you, but from the harsh climate of Aurora, to which sheâs unaccustomed.
Her homeland, Ambrosia, boasts a far more temperate environment.
â
âReally?â Daveyâs skepticism shone through in his tone, yet he chose to let the matter rest, forgoing further interrogation.