The moment Claire and Liam walked into Riley's Café holding hands, Scarlett felt like the ground beneath her had disappeared. The world seemed to slow down, each second stretching into an eternity. Claire's eyes immediately locked with hers, a smug satisfaction dancing in their depths - this was exactly what she'd planned.
Liam looked nervous, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of the café menu. Sweat beaded on his forehead despite the cool air conditioning. "So," he started awkwardly, his voice cracking slightly, "how's your day been?" The attempt at small talk was painfully artificial, like he was trying too hard to sound normal.
Claire leaned in close to him, her hand resting possessively on his arm. "Isn't this a lovely café?" she chirped, her sweetness dripping with a poison so thi
