Felix leaned against the side of his parked car, arms folded loosely as his gaze trailed to the grand entrance of the Crawford estate. The night air was crisp, but not cold enough to make him shiver—still, he exhaled like it carried the weight of his thoughts.
Just a few feet away, Lara Johanssen waved enthusiastically at his parents, her voice chiming like a schoolgirl's, "Bye, Mr. and Mrs. Crawford! I had a wonderful time!"
His mother waved back, beaming like a proud matchmaker. His father offered a small smile, though Felix could read the amused apology in his eyes.
This is ridiculous, Felix thought.
Earlier, when he stood and tried to make a swift and polite exit from the house, his mother had clapped her hands and declared, "Oh! Felix, darling, you should drop Lara off at her hotel. It's late, and it would be improper to let her take a cab alone."
