#Chapter 87: A Dance With Darkness

Ella Leonard’s surprise was palpable. His usually stoic face now registered a mix of confusion and, was that disbelief? The bustling restaurant patio, filled with the scent of seafood and the ocean air, seemed to fade into the background. All that remained in focus was the tense standoff that had unwittingly begun our corner, all thanks to Harry. “Your parents don’t know?” Leonard’s voice was barely above a whisper, but in the quiet space that had formed around us, it felt like a shout. The distant hum of violins, the sound of the ocean lapping against the barrier, and the clinking of glasses felt intrusive as I searched for words. “It’s not quite like that,” I began hesitantly, wording my lies carefully. “It's just... It’s been a whirlwind, and we haven’t had the right moment to...” I trailed off, desperately hoping Logan would step in. Leonard’s piercing eyes locked onto mine. “Are you ashamed? Ashamed of Logan? Or perhaps it’s our family you fin