The clinking of wine glasses and the soft hum of conversation behind instantly quieted as I stared at the darkness of the trees. Just a few moments ago, my mind was somewhere else. Or rather, with someone else.

Alexander.

I could have sworn I saw him standing by one of the trees—his piercing gaze cutting through me while I stood by the balcony. Had I imagined him? Was it just my mind playing cruel tricks on me?

Squinting my eyes, I forced myself to look again closely despite the thick shadows surrounding the trees.

I swear I saw him. I can’t be mistaken—

‘Perhaps we’re just imagining things, like how...