“Ladies and gentlemen,” came the DJ’s voice again, now beckoning everyone to raise their glasses. I watched, heart pounding, as Caroline followed suit, her calculated smile tugging at the corners of her lips. I mirrored her, lifting my glass with a steady hand. The room blurred into a backdrop as our eyes locked, a silent battlefield of wills.

Dylan’s voice broke the silence, earnest and full of joy. “To Lori, the love of my life,” he began, his words weaving a tapestry of promises for our future. Around us, guests listened, glasses poised, unaware of the subtext to this moment — a drama unseen beneath the glittering facade.

I watched Caroline, waiting for the realization to dawn. Her confidence was unwavering as she brought the glass to her lips, her eyes flicking to me, ready to savor a victory. But as the liquid touched her lips, there was a brief flicker of confusion, a chink in her armor.