As they stepped outside, Maya noticed Colton and Anika standing near Colton’s car, talking softly. She gently touched Elias’s arm and motioned for him to walk with her a few steps away, toward the side of the driveway. The porch light cast a soft glow over them as she turned to face him, her voice quiet and sincere.

Maya stepped closer to Elias, her voice soft. “I’m sorry about tonight,” she said. “I didn’t expect things to turn out this way.”

Elias looked at her, his expression calm, though a hint of disappointment flickered in his eyes. “It’s okay,” he said gently.

She sighed. “Anika really wanted to celebrate with...