I had not seen so much food in a long time.

The dinner was spontaneous—too lavish for my liking. To me, less was more.

I liked the warm feeling of the dim golden lighting on my skin, a long table set with cutleries next to each plate, and servers moving gracefully between guests.

Everything screamed busy. I wished I could enjoy it.

Among the couples was her. Natalia.

Tall, blonde, and sculpted like a fitness goddess.

She was the kind of woman who could wear a potato sack and still look stunning.

She also had the kind of confidence that made other women shrink in her presence, except me though,...