“Oh, you flatter too much!” My mother laughed, throwing her head back. “She just needs to realize how lucky she is.”
“Lucky? More like fortunate,” he countered with a sly grin. “A man like me doesn’t come around often.”
I stood off to the side, arms crossed tight against my chest as I fought to suppress the unease churning in my gut. My heart pounded harder when his gaze slid across the group and landed on me. The moment our eyes locked, I felt something shift—like a predator sizing up its prey.
The smirk on his face morphed into something darker, mocking even. He thrived on this—seeing me squirm under the weight of his gaze.
“Seph! There you are!” he called out with feigned delight, lifting his glass toward me as if toasting some private joke between us.
I clenched my jaw, fighting against the urge to shrink back further into the wall behind me. How could someone so charming also wield such power over my anxiety?
His laughter echoed in my ears as I felt my mother’s eyes flicker between us, curious but oblivious to the tension electrifying the air. Hades stepped forward, closing the distance between us with that infuriating swagger.
“Why so glum?” he asked, tilting his head slightly as if genuinely interested in my answer.
“Maybe I just prefer honesty over flattery,” I shot back before I could stop myself.
His laughter rang out again—a low rumble that made my skin crawl. “Honesty? In this world? That’s rich coming from you.” The way he looked at me told me everything: I was beneath him in every possible way.
Too powerful. Too untouchable.
Yet something deep within nagged at me; a sense of wrongness gnawed at my insides like an uninvited guest. The way he studied me—there was more lurking behind those icy blue eyes than charm or confidence. It sent chills down my spine and whispered that danger danced just beneath the surface of that perfectly polished exterior.
And still, here I stood—trapped in this elaborate game where every piece moved at Hades's command while I remained frozen in place.
“Honestly, Hades, flattery will get you nowhere,” I snapped, crossing my arms tighter. I wasn't going to let him intimidate me.
He leaned in, that infuriating smirk plastered on his face. “I beg to differ. I seem to be standing right here, talking to you.”
“You don’t need to be so smug about it.” I shifted my weight, refusing to let him see how much he unsettled me.
“Smug? Me?” He placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. “I’m simply appreciating the company. It’s rare to find someone who doesn’t hang on my every word.”
“Maybe because I know better.”
“Oh, you’re one of the smart ones.” He leaned closer, his voice dropping as if sharing a secret. “But that just makes it more fun.”
My stomach twisted. I hated that he could draw me in with those words while maintaining that arrogant air. “You really think this is fun? Playing games at your own engagement party?”
“Isn’t that what parties are for? Drama and theatrics?” He laughed softly, eyes glinting with mischief.
“Yeah, and maybe a little sincerity would help.”
“Sincerity is overrated,” he replied with a casual shrug. “What matters is how well you play your part.”
“Guess I missed the memo on acting classes,” I shot back.
“Not everyone can be an actress like your sister,” he teased.
My jaw tightened at the mention of her name. “You think this is all a game to her? No wonder she isn't here."
"Now, Seph," my mother murmured, but her heart wasn't in it.
"It's okay, Mrs. Moore," Hades said smoothly, looking at me once more. “It is for some.” He raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly as if inviting me to join him in this twisted dance of words.
Frustration bubbled beneath my skin like boiling water ready to overflow. “You’re impossible.”
“Ah, but I’m still standing here,” he said with a grin that made my blood boil.
