Tessa shed a mischievous grin. "So, who''s the Queen of Hearts?"

    Joshua''s face was stone cold.

    Carolyn pressed her lips together and quietly showed her cards.

    The room got even quieter, like everyone was holding their breath.

    Joshua shot Carolyn a frosty re, his mood getting darker by the second. Nobody dared say a word-they could all feel the tension radiating off him. Suddenly, Allison let out a cold littleugh.

    She nced at Tessa, her eyes sharp as ss. "You really know how to pick your people, don''t you, Miss Summers?"

    Tessa made a silly face, her smile not budging as she met Allison''s re. "Hey, just lucky, I guess."

    Carolyn looked at Allison, awkward and apologetic. "Allie, I''m sorry. My friend didn''t know you two were back together. Let me apologize for her."

    Allison didn''t bother hiding her annoyance. "I don''t see Miss Summers feeling the least bit sorry."

    Tessa jumped in, "Luna, why are you apologizing to her? We didn''t do anything wrong. It''s just a game, right? If everyone else can handle it, why can''t she?"

    Carolyn''s smile dropped; embarrassment shed across her face.

    "That''s enough, Tessa. Just stop talking." Carolyn''s voice was tight, her expression strained.

    Seeing Carolyn like that, Tessa''s yful look faded. Her tone cooled.

    "What''s your problem, Carolyn? I''m trying to help you out here! Everyone knows you''ve liked Joshua for years. Are you really just going to let this chance slide?"

    Carolyn''s temper snapped. "I don''t need your help! Can you just stop making things worse?"

    "Making things worse?" Tessa let out a bitterugh. "Come on, are you seriously telling me you don''t want this?"

    Carolyn''s eyes zed. Having her feelings exposed in front of everyone was humiliating.

    She wanted it. Of course she did.

    But she couldn''t say it. She just couldn''t.

    She knew Joshua would never go for it.

    And thest thing she wanted was Allison holding a grudge because of her.

    "Sorry for killing the vibe, everyone. You guys keep ying." Carolyn apologized quietly, then grabbed Tessa and headed for the door.

    "Let go of me Carolyn, I can''t stand it when you act all fake-getting all buddy-buddy with your rival? Don''t you think it''s pathetic?" Tessained as they walked, he voice getting louder. "I was just trying to help you, and you call me a troublemaker? Seriously?"

    They bickered all the way to the

    door, Tessa refusing to let it go. "Yeah, yeah, you''re Miss Morality. But if you really didn''t care about Joshua, why''d you invite his girlfriend to bring him along?”

    Carolyn stopped dead in her tracks.

    She turned, her eyes cold. "Tessa, you''ve got it wrong. I''m not hiding anything shameful. Yeah, I like Joshua. But I''m not going to chase after someone else''s boyfriend asked Allison to bring him sol could finally let go of all those old regrets."

    Her voice was steady, every word honest. "Starting today, I''m done. I don''t love

    Joshua anymore. I''m letting go."

    With that, Carolyn pulled open the door and walked out.

    Tessa rolled her eyes and followed, muttering under her breath.

    Once they were gone, the lounge fell silent again.

    Brian cleared his throat, trying to lighten the mood. "It''s about time for dinner, isn''t it? Let''s go eat."

    Sabrina perked up. "Yes! I''m starving-let''s go already!"

    Olivia reached over and gently squeezed Allison''s hand. "Allie, don''t let her get to you. She was just trying to stir up trouble. Joshua only has eyes for you. He''d never do anything stupid."

    Sabrina nodded in agreement. “Exactly, Allie. Don''t let someone who doesn''t matter ruin your night."

    Allison managed a small smile. "I''m fine, really."

    Joshua looked at her, concern in his eyes. "If you''re not having a good time, we can leave. I''ll have someone pick us up."

    Allison shook her head. "I know you''d never y along with that game. Seriously, I''m okay."

    Joshua pulled her into a gentle hug and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I''d never do anything that would risk losing you."