Bobby feigned indignation, placing his hand over his chest in mock outrage. âOh, so now Iâm the punching bag, huh? You love teasing me, donât you?â Dulce could feel the friendly vibe starting to return, but Fionaâs expression remained the most unsettling of them all.
Leah arrived with a new dress, and Fannie quickly helped Dulce with the zipper at the back.
âFiona did that on purpose, didnât she?â Fannie asked, her voice tinged with frustration. This was the first time she had brought Dulce along, and Dulce was being targeted.
âForget it, I understand. If I were in her shoes, Iâd probably be upset too.â Dulce squeezed Fannieâs hand. âDonât make trouble over this. Theyâre Bobbyâs friends, after all.â
âI donât need to worry about his feelings. Iâll help you get back at her later.â
Dulce quickly grabbed her arm, pulling her away. âThis is Auroraâs special day! Just let it go for now.â
Fannie didnât respond, her expression dark and sullen, but she didnât press the matter further.
Bobby knocked lightly on the door, calling out, âLadies, are you done changing?â Dulceâs new dress fit her perfectly, and she felt a bit more at ease as she and Fannie made their way out.
âLetâs get back to the party,â Bobby said, leading them back to the terrace. This time, they took a different path.
When Dulce saw Michael talking to Fiona, she instantly understood Bobbyâs subtle move.
The three of them stood just out of sight, close enough to catch every word of Michaelâs conversation with Fiona.
âStop targeting Dulce. Thereâs nothing between us. Thereâs no need to make things harder for her.â
Anyone could tell that Fionaâs actions were deliberate, and they couldnât let it slide.
Fionaâs voice was sharp as she shot back, âAre you feeling sorry for her?â
âMichael? Do you think I donât know what sheâs here for?â
Fiona felt as though her brother-in-law was being taken away from her when she saw Dulce.
But to her surprise, Michael asked, âWhat are you doing here?â
Fiona froze, momentarily stunned by his question. Michael, no longer holding back, looked her in the eye and spoke with unwavering resolve. âI know exactly what Iâm doing. Even without Lacey, I wouldnât be with Dulce.â
Fionaâs anxiety eased. Just as she turned to leave, Michaelâs voice stopped her. âDulce is Fannieâs friend. If you ever hurt her again, I canât promise what Bobby and Fannie will do to you.â
Dulce, standing in the shadows, felt a pang in her heart.
Although Michael was standing up for her, it was more about maintaining peace and preventing Fiona from causing trouble.
Dulce was unsure whether to feel happy or sad.
No matter what she did, she would always be an outsider to Michael.
âGot it,â Fiona said, her voice tinged with bitterness.
.
.
.