Isabella was just about to turn around and leave quietly, when Alexa suddenly walked over with a bright, fake smile and gently grabbed her arm.
"Isabella! Why are you standing there like a ghost? Come in, come in. My friends are just joking around—they say nonsense all the time," she said sweetly, dragging her further inside before Isabella could protest.
"Don't be shy, just sit with us." Alexa pushed her down gently onto one of the couches near the drinks table. Isabella sat stiffly, her hands folded in her lap, her eyes darting around the room. She could feel the music vibrating through her bones, but it was the stares that made her heart race. People were whispering behind glasses and leaning in to look at her.
One girl, with long legs and a tight red dress that clung to her like a second skin, leaned forward and gave Isabella a sharp smile. "So… you're Leo's wife?" she asked, her tone amused, like she was questioning the very idea.
