Hanging lamps stretch over the party area, wrapped around trees and around the stage. Their light is orange, dim like candlelight.

People dressed in colorful costumes, with many wearing Halloween costumes. Some are dressed as sexy bunnies, mummies, zombies, and even werewolves.

“Windward.”

When Vero heard Lev calling her by her last name, her heart raced, and her pulse is so strong that it makes her throat tighten. She stares at the surface of the lake for a split second.

She didn’t know if her decision to obey Jia’s dress code was the right decision. It feels like she’s mocking Lev’s identity. But it’s all already happened, and Vero couldn’t...