Chapter 23

A sickening realization washed over me. He had been deceiving me all along, lying effortlessly while maintaining his connection with her. And here I had foolishly believed that he had really moved on. Nicole smirked, her gaze flickering toward me, amusement glinting in her eyes. "We were never really apart. His devotion made me realize just how much he meant to me. Some bonds just can't be broken, you know?" Swallowing the lump in my throat, I set my fork down, unwilling to continue this charade of a dinner. I forced a calm smile. "That's lovely," I said evenly. "You two make a perfect pair. I hope your love lasts for eternity." Declan's jaw tensed, but he said nothing. Nicole's smile remained, but the challenge in her eyes was unmistakable. "No one can come between us, and I'll ensure it." I could see Declan's gaze on me, and it only added to my annoyance. I just hoped the dinner would end quickly. Lucian's grip on my hand tightened ever so slightly—a silent reassurance that I wasn't