Maya's POV
Rich helped me down the stairs, his touch gentle but grounding, like he knew I was one breath away from crumbling. The party continued behind us—laughter, clinking glasses, music echoing under the lights—but I felt like I no longer belonged to that world. I kept my head down, blinking fast, willing the tears not to fall. I didn't want anyone to see. Not tonight. Not like this.
I scanned the crowd for my sister or Ariana, but neither of them was in sight. I suddenly felt so alone, despite Rich at my side.
"Do you want to dance, Maya?" he asked softly.
I shook my head, offering him a small, sad smile. "I'm sorry, Rich. I'm not in the mood anymore. I just want to go home."
We turned toward the long driveway that curved through the estate, the music growing quieter with every step.
"It's already late," he reminded me. "Ariana said you planned to sleep here tonight."
