Year Five: The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 88

Kent met her gaze, those clear, luminous eyes of hers, and something complicated flickered deep within his own. He turned away quickly, gathering Nannie and leaving without another word.

Now, Silvia stood alone on the stage.

Under the weight of everyone’s glances—some curious, some mocking—she lifted her chin, just barely, a hint of bitterness flickering in her eyes.

Of course.

Today was never going to go smoothly.

The engagement party carried on, just with one less main character.

Silvia played her part as if nothing had happened—eating, drinking, making polite conversation when required.

She handled every social nuance with perfect grace. Watching her, the three members of the Ashford family felt a pang of sympathy.

Since returning to the Ashford family, Silvia had always been the model daughter: gentle, considerate, almost never rebellious. The only time she’d ever defied them was when she’d run off to Luminova City alone.

Seeing her like this now—so calm, so poised—they knew at a glance she must be hurting inside. That carefree smile was nothing but a mask.

If Silvia noticed their worried glances, she gave no sign, continuing to chat quietly with the guests around her.

It was nearly the end of the party before a tall figure finally appeared at the door.

Kent, looking weary from his hurried return, made his way straight to Silvia’s side. His gaze lingered on her, and he let out a slow, deliberate breath.

“I’m sorry, I—” he began.

But Silvia cut him off before he could go further. “You’re here now. Let’s go make the rounds together.” She stood, already holding out a glass of wine for Kent.

He took it, lips parting as if to say something more. But when he met the calm, almost serene look in Silvia’s eyes, the words died in his throat.

All he could do was nod. “Alright. Let’s go.”

Silvia walked ahead of him as they moved from table to table, offering toasts.

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