Chapter thirteen

Our conversation was abruptly cut short when Alex appeared in front of us.

"Isabella, darling, I've been looking all over for you," Alex said as he approached us. My eyes flickered with surprise, but I quickly masked it with a smile. "Alex, this is Michael. I know you two are acquainted. We were just talking about his travels."

Alex nodded and looked at Michael with a serious gaze. I could almost imagine an invisible connection sparking between their eyes because they both seemed quite serious for reasons I couldn't fathom.

As the evening wore on, Alex's arm was draped tightly around my waist, his grip tightening subtly whenever someone tried to talk to me.

Something seemed off about Alex's demeanor. He wasn't usually like this.

Later, during a quiet moment amidst the festivities, I excused myself to the outdoor terrace, needing a moment to gather my thoughts. I gazed at the sea under the full moon. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore made my racing thoughts feel calmer.