Chapter 5

Marianne watched them walk off together, eyes filled with quiet desolation. Arthur gently pulled her into his arms, voice low and comforting. "Come on now, you're still recovering. Don't overthink it. Go sit for a bit, get some rest." ***** Bellamy lounged lazily against Fraser, swaying with the music like she was right at home. Fraser ran his fingers through her silky hair, speaking to her in a soft, tender tone, "Bellamy, my step-mom's been in bad shape lately. Try not to upset her, alright?" Bellamy froze mid-step, slowly pulling away from his embrace. Her smile was all sharp edges. "You all say that every other day. If she's really been so sick for all these years, how's she still alive? Isn't there a saying-evil lingers the longest?" "Bellamy!" The warmth in Fraser's expression vanished, brows pulling tight. "You can't talk about her like that, she's still-" "Shut it!" Bellamy's pretty face twisted, lifted heel digging down hard on his foot. Fraser winced, face stiff with pain, and she didn't budge an inch. "Fraser, I don't want to hear another word about her. Say I went too far, fine. But let's skip her and talk about Lydia instead. Seemed like you guys were all kinds of cozy just now." Fraser sighed in frustration, decided to go with her diversion. "Lydia's my junior from college. She graduated two years ago and just came back. We barely ran into each other; only exchanged a few polite words." As he spoke, he wrapped an arm around her waist and gently hoisted her off his foot. Bellamy didn't resist, but gave him a look that said she wasn't letting him off that easy. "Lydia, huh? That was real sweet. Just so you know, while you managed to save your foot, mine is still emotionally wounded." He knew she was just being bratty, but he couldn't help laughing. Tapping her forehead playfully, his voice filled with mock solemnity, "Alright, no more Lydia. From now on, it's Ms. Grant-shouldn't cause any more involuntary shivers, right?" Bellamy was all smiles, nodding like a happy bunny before diving back into his arms. Not far off, Marianne was still staring in their direction. Bellamy shot her a smug, cocky eyebrow raise-just like a victor flaunting her prize. ***** The party wrapped up early. Fraser, as the host, stayed to see guests off. Bellamy slipped out to the balcony where it was quiet, waiting for him to finish up so they could leave together. The breeze carried the early chill of autumn, and Bellamy hugged her arms, hopping lightly in place to stay warm. Suddenly, the balcony door creaked open. Lydia walked in, all poise and elegance. "Miss Hawkins, still here? Taking in the night view alone?" Her hands rested lightly on the railing as she looked up at the stars before turning to Bellamy. "The location here really is perfect. Such a lovely view." Under the porch light, that smile-just the right amount of polite perfection-was enough to make anyone feel queasy. Bellamy sighed, disappointed, and cut straight to the chase. "Miss Grant, we've interacted a few times. I thought you were the straightforward type. Didn't expect you to play this fake game too. I'm not into it. So if you've got something to say, say it." Lydia's expression didn't change, her voice still sweet and calm. "I'm not quite sure what you mean, Miss Hawkins." Bellamy gave her a long look, lips curling ever so slightly. "I'm talking about Fraser. That should clear things up, shouldn't it?" Lydia's smile froze right then.