Dinner that night felt different.
Too formal.
Too arranged.
Mira sensed it the moment she stepped into the dining room.
A woman sat beside Dominic.
Elegant.
Poised.
Beautiful in a way that belonged on magazine covers and red carpets.
Rebecca Moore.
A famous actress.
Her smile was practiced, flawless—years of cameras had taught her that.
"Mira," her mother said brightly, standing up. "Come greet Rebecca."
Rebecca turned, eyes warm but assessing. "You must be Mira. I've heard so much about you."
Mira nodded politely. "Nice to meet you."
Rebecca's gaze flicked briefly to Mira's simple dress. The bracelet hidden under her sleeve. Then she smiled again.
---
Dinner began.
Mira's mother was unusually attentive.
"Rebecca just returned from filming abroad," she said proudly. "She's taking a short break before her next project."
"That must be exhausting," Dominic said politely.
Rebecca laughed softly. "I don't mind. Hard work pays off."
She glanced at Dominic. "Your mother always tells me how capable you are."
Mira lowered her gaze and focused on her food.
She didn't need to look up to understand what this was.
---
Ariana was the first to break the silence.
"So, Rebecca," she said casually, "how long have you known my brother?"
Rebecca smiled. "A while. Your mother and I are very close."
Very close.
Mira's grip tightened slightly around her fork.
---
Rebecca turned to Dominic. "Your schedule must be overwhelming. You should take better care of yourself."
Dominic nodded. "I manage."
"You don't have to manage alone," Rebecca said gently.
Mira felt something cold settle in her chest.
Not jealousy.
Something heavier.
---
Liam, who had been quiet until now, leaned back in his chair.
"So," he said lightly, "are you staying long?"
Rebecca glanced at Mira's mother before answering. "That depends."
Everyone understood what she meant.
---
Mira's mother smiled brightly. "Rebecca will be joining us for a few events. It's good for family to… plan ahead."
Plan ahead.
Mira pushed her chair back slightly.
"May I be excused?" she asked softly.
Dominic looked up. "You barely ate."
"I'm tired," Mira replied.
Her mother frowned. "Mira—"
"It's fine," Dominic said calmly. "Let her rest."
Mira looked at him, surprised.
Then she nodded and left the table.
---
From the doorway, Rebecca watched her go.
"She's very quiet," she said thoughtfully.
"She always has been," Mira's mother replied.
Dominic said nothing.
But for some reason, the dinner tasted bitter after that.