The fake laughter around me kept going after that.
People nodded at things that didn't matter. They smiled at lines they didn't even believe. Every word felt like it had already been approved before it left their mouths.
I stayed there a little longer, just enough to be seen, just enough to keep their attention where I wanted it.
Then it started to feel useless.
I walked through the edge of the mansion, past the polished halls and soft lights, until the sound behind me faded.
The air changed when I reached the courtyard.
A few lamps lit the space, but even their glow felt staged. The sky above was a painted darkness, too perfect to be real. No stars. No wind that felt natural. Just a fake night built for comfort.
I exhaled through my nose.
"This place really sucks," I muttered
A table sat near the fountain. I pulled out a chair and sat down.
"Mr. Leon, may I join you?" Mira stepped to my side.
