Page 101 of The Stranger

The table settings are equally beautiful, with more fresh roses and extravagant candelabras sitting in the centre. The chairs are covered in white silk, with thick gold bows tied around each one. It seems more fitting for a wedding reception.

My immediate thought is,I wonder who’s footing thebill. My parents, Kayne’s, or Abigail’s Only Fans clients? Either way, it would’ve cost a pretty penny.

We move further into the room, and I don’t know where to go or who to see. I’m probably the only person here tonight who isn’t truly welcome. That sentiment only amplifies when I hear a few whispers from the guests as we pass.

“Is that Delilah? Holy shit!”

“Wow, she’s the last person I expected to see tonight.”

“Who’s that guy with her?”

“It’s kind of tacky that she’s here with a date.”

Personally, I find it tackier that my sister is now engaged to my ex-fiancé.

Spencer lets go of my hand and drapes his arm over my shoulder, pulling me protectively into his side. “Ignore them,” he growls.

My eyes move around the room and I spot my parents, so I manoeuvre us in their direction. They’re my safest bet.

“Oh my God,” I hear one of Abigail’s equally bitchy friends squeal as we pass. “Who is that hottie with Delilah?”

“It’s her fake boyfriend.”

“Good to know, because I’ve just decided I’m going home with him tonight.”

“Not if I get in first.”

They sound like dogs on heat, and the only person going home with this man tonight is me.

“Ignore them too,” I grumble.

“They don’t stand a chance when I have the prettiest woman in the room on my arm.”

“Aww,” I coo.

“It’s the truth, Delilah,” he replies as he leans down toplace a chaste kiss on the side of my head. “You run rings around them all.”

I place my hand on my mother’s arm when we reach my parents. “Mum.”

She turns around and looks visibly shocked once she realises it’s me. Her hands move to grasp my upper arms as she leans back and eyes me up and down. “Lilah … you look stunning,” she says before giving me a brief hug. “I’m so glad you could make it. We’ve missed you.” I’d like to think that’s true, and tonight I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt. “It’s nice to see you again, Spencer,” she adds.

While Spencer greets my mother, I turn my attention to my father.“Hi, Dad.”

His eyes scan the length of my body and when he frowns, I know he’s not going to compliment me like my mother did. “That dress is far too short, Delilah,” he scolds.

His abrupt words sting. This is the first time I’ve seen him since I moved out—which was months ago—so a hello shouldn’t be too much to ask.

My sister wears skimpier dresses daily.

Spencer growls beside me, which gains my father’s attention. “Prescott,” he grumbles.

“St. James,” Spencer retorts.

Yikes.

We’ve been here less than five minutes and things are already going downhill.

Abigail is next to join the family reunion, followed closely by her scumbag fiancé.