(Michelle Lui's POV)
The riverside restaurant glowed like something out of a postcard.
Glass walls framed the shimmering water outside, lanterns reflected on the surface like dancing stars. Soft violin music drifted through the air. Tables were set with pale gold linens, crystal-cut glasses, and candles that flickered gently with every breeze coming through the open terrace.
It was beautiful.
Too beautiful for how tense everyone felt.
We were seated at a long table — boys on one side, girls on the other.
Strategic.
Safe.
Controlled.
Andy sat directly across from me, twirling his fork absentmindedly.
Steven sat two seats down, directly across from Kate.
Anthony sat between Andy and Jeff, Jasmine across from him.
Lara chose the seat across from Steven.
I saw the small hesitation before she did, but she still did it.
And maybe that was strength.
Or hope.
Or a last stand.
I couldn't tell.
The silence started gentle — the kind you could pretend was comfortable.
