The engagement dinner was almost over, yet Amara still felt trapped.
She had tried everything , staying near Tolu, pretending to text, even volunteering to help the waiter , but somehow Daniel always found her.
She avoided looking at him.
She talked to strangers.
She laughed at jokes she didn't even hear.
She kept moving.
Still, she couldn't escape him.
The way his eyes followed her every move without shame was glaring.
"Ah-ah," Tolu whispered, gripping her arm. "That man is staring like he forgot he has a fiancée."
"Stop," Amara muttered, forcing a smile as they greeted a few guests.
But she felt it too , his gaze lingering on her, warm and familiar, yet completely inappropriate now.
She stood near the drinks table, slowly stirring her juice even though it didn't need stirring.
After a while, she slipped toward the desert table, hoping to catch her breath. Her hands trembled slightly as she picked up her glass of juice and a piece of cheesecake.
She focused on the condensation running down her glass of juice , pretending it was the most interesting thing in the world.
"You're avoiding me."
Her heart dropped.
She didn't need to turn around to know who it was.
"I'm not," she replied, keeping her tone neutral.
"You haven't looked at me once since you came."
She slowly turned. Daniel stood close , too close.
His navy suit fitted him perfectly, and his expression looked almost hurt.
I'm just… giving you space," she said.
"Space?" he repeated. "You've never needed space from me before."
She swallowed. "Things are different now."
He studied her face. "Because I'm engaged?"
"Yes."
The word came out firmer than she expected.
Daniel exhaled slowly, running his hand through his hair. "Ama… you know it's not that simple."
She felt anger rising. "It is simple. You're getting married."
His eyes softened. "You know you're more than that to me."
Her chest tightened. "But not enough."
The silence that followed was heavy.
He didn't deny it.
And that hurt more than anything.
Before either of them could say more, Sophia appeared, graceful and composed in a fitted emerald dress.
"There you are," she said, smiling as she slipped her arm through Daniel's. "Your mother is asking for you."
Her eyes shifted to Amara politely, but there was something cautious in them.
Amara forced a smile. "You both look lovely."
Sophia nodded. "Thank you, Amara. I've heard so much about you."
"Same here," Amara replied.
Daniel remained silent, his gaze still locked on Amara.
Sophia gently tugged his arm. "Daniel?"
He didn't move immediately.
Amara couldn't bear it anymore.
"Excuse me," she murmured, walking away before her composure cracked.
As she crossed the room, she felt his eyes follow her.
And she hated that part of her still cared.
She found Tolu near the buffet.
"I need air," Amara whispered.
Tolu looked at her carefully. "He talked to you?"
"Yes."
"And?"
Amara shook her head. "Same confusion. Nothing new."
Tolu sighed. "That man will confuse you until you marry another person."
Amara let out a weak laugh. "Maybe that's what I need."
But even as she said it, she wasn't sure she believed it.