Lynette frowned. "What? I thought you were already invited since you live in the estate. Hold on, I'm coming," she said as she turned toward Arian.
"I'll be back," she murmured to him before heading toward the entrance.
But then—
She noticed the way people's attention had suddenly turned toward someone new entering the hall.
Her pulse quickened.
She looked ahead.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Kevin Gael.
Lynette noticed his outfit and found it oddly casual for the event. He wore a black sweatshirt, gray joggers, socks, and flip-flops.
People murmured about his appearance, whispering among themselves. Did he truly not realize this was a formal party?
But she knew better. Kevin Gael wasn't ignorant—he simply didn't care. He was famous for his I don't give a damn attitude.
Lynette steadied herself, shifting her gaze away before continuing toward the entrance to meet Daniella.
But just as she was about to pass Kevin, his voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Young Mrs. Daelan."
Her steps faltered, her breath hitching.
She swallowed hard, slowly turning her head to face him.
Her fingers trembled, and before she even realized it, her phone slipped from her grasp, falling to the floor.
It must have been her nerves. Her instincts were rarely wrong—something about Kevin Gael felt off, and sooner or later, she would uncover the truth.
She bent down gracefully, picking up her phone in one swift motion.
As she stood up, Kevin Gael's hand suddenly closed around hers—the same hand she had used to retrieve her phone.
She instinctively tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened.
Her pulse quickened.
She lifted her gaze, anxious, only to find his eyes fixed on her hand.
"Why does it seem like I'm the reason your phone fell, young miss Daelan?" Kevin mused, his tone slow and deliberate as his gaze shifted from her hand to her face.
His cold brown eyes held hers—then, he smirked.
A shiver ran down her spine at the expression.
Summoning her composure, she finally spoke. "It wasn't because of you. And if you'll excuse me, there's someone I need to meet."
She made a move to leave—but his grip tightened once more.
Kevin Gael pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and gently wiped Lynette's hand.
"Your hand must have touched the dirt on the floor, young Mrs. Daelan," he said calmly.
Then, his gaze locked onto hers.
"You're.... young Miss Daelan, aren't you?"
The question hit Lynette harder than she expected.
She felt herself losing balance for a moment. Why would he ask that? No one had questioned her identity before, and she had been comfortable until now.
She steadied herself, maintaining her composure.
"Of course I am. Who else would I be, if not myself, Mr. Gael?" she responded confidently, her eyes never leaving his.
Kevin's expression remained unreadable.
"The mirror has started to act like the person," he said, dropping her hand before turning away and walking into the hall.
Lynette stood frozen, her thoughts racing.
What did he mean by that?
It was impossible that he knew she wasn't the real Lynette. Could he have meant something else?
Shaking off the uneasy feeling, she made her way toward the entrance.
Outside, she spotted Daniella, dressed in a stunning purple gown, her makeup flawless, and her hair styled to perfection.
As their eyes met, Daniella's expression shifted to one of astonishment.
"I seriously had no idea you weren't invited," Lynette said as she approached.
Daniella's face quickly turned into a frown.
"Is that all you have to say?
Lynette… you've started to put on a bitchy attitude, and I don't like it.
You haven't even spent a full night here, and already, you're acting differently. What is wrong with you?" She asked annoyingly.
Lynette narrowed her eyes slightly, irritation flickering across her expression. "And by 'bitchy attitude,' what exactly do you mean?"
Daniella paused for a moment, looking at her before breaking into laughter. She crossed one arm over her chest, touching the other before her face turned serious. "What you just did," she replied.
Lynette exhaled sharply, keeping her stance firm. "Hey, don't you think you're the one with the bitchy attitude here?
I already told you—I had no idea you weren't invited. What were you expecting me to do? Bow down and beg for forgiveness?"
Her gaze stayed locked on Daniella. "Maybe you should watch yourself."
"Hey! You—" Daniella started, frustration spilling into her tone, but Lynette swiftly cut her off.
"How was I?" Lynette asked suddenly.
Daniella frowned. "What?"
"I was being the Lynette Daelan of this dimension," Lynette said, a knowing smile curling on her lips.
Daniella stared at her, momentarily stunned.
"From your expression, I think I nailed that part," Lynette added, still smiling.
Daniella blinked, taking a moment to process. "You were acting?"
"Of course," Lynette replied effortlessly.
Daniella hesitated, then asked, "What about at Arian's residence? Why didn't you let me stay?"
Lynette sighed, stepping slowly around Daniella.
"Arian mentioned that he doesn't particularly like guests. Since you arrived unexpectedly, I had to go with the flow," she explained.
"I shouldn't act too differently, even with the memory loss, should I?"
She stopped beside Daniella, watching her closely.
Daniella seemed lost in thought, considering something, though she didn't voice it.
Lynette gave her an expectant look before turning ahead. "Are you coming or not?" she asked as she walked forward.
Daniella stared for another second before quietly following behind her.
******
Lynette and Daniella stepped inside, the lively energy of the event swirling around them. Daniella's eyes darted across the room, scanning the elegant guests, the sparkling chandeliers, and the seamless blend of conversation and music.
Then, her gaze settled on Arian.
"Young miss!"
Lynette turned to see Abigail approaching quickly, her lips painted a striking red, her expression warm as she hugged her big bag.
"I hope I'm not late. Let me safeguard your phone so you can be free tonight," Abigail said, taking Lynette's phone from her hand.
"Oh… thank you," Lynette replied, slightly distracted.
She glanced at Daniella, then looked ahead toward Arian, preparing to walk to him.
But just as she was about to step forward, someone moved into her path.
Kevin Gael.
Abigail inhaled sharply, a small "Oh" escaping her lips.
"Young Mrs. Daelan, do you care for a dance?" Kevin asked, extending his hand toward Lynette.
"I do not," Lynette responded firmly.
Kevin's smirk deepened, his fingers twitching slightly. "I insist," he murmured, reaching forward and pulling her closer.