_Leah's POV_

That evening, I sat stiffly at the dinner table with Tariq and Susan. I forced myself to smile, though my mind was far from at ease. Every time my gaze landed on Tariq’s face, it only reminded me of the secrets he kept. The betrayal was still fresh in my mind. Across from me, Susan’s cheerful demeanor felt jarring, like nails on a chalkboard, adding to the weight of my dread. I knew I had to hold myself together, to keep up appearances, but inside I was struggling.

Susan’s ...