MAYA’S POV
“Where are you going?” Ethan called after me, his voice low and sharp as he pointed behind him. “The party’s that way.”
I scoffed, stepping out onto the garden terrace behind the hall. The party was still going strong inside—laughter, clinking glasses, the occasional clatter of silverware—but it all sounded like bothersome static in my ears.
“You’re sorely mistaken if you think I’m going back to take any part in that farce.”
Ethan frowned. “Maya, this is my sister’s party. You have to learn to respect my family.”
I blinked at him for a long, incredulous moment, and his frown deepened. “What?”
“You’re doing it again,” I said.
“Doing what?”
“Acting like she’s not your family, too.”
“Who—Sera?”
“Yes, Sera!”
He shook his head, his lips flattening. “Why the hell are we talking about Sera again?”
“Are you kidding me right now?” I hissed. “After seeing that bullshit your mother and Celeste pulled, you want to stay for the rest of the party?”
