"Dorian, you're overthinking this. As long as Josie knows how I feel about her, that's all that matters," Oliver said, striding away with determination.
Dorian watched his sister Josefina mingle effortlessly with the crowd, like a fish in water. She handled the social intricacies with such grace and ease.
Having a sister like her made Dorian incredibly proud.
At that moment, Finley walked in with Shay on his arm. They looked picture-perfect together, like a couple straight out of a fairy tale.
Josefina noticed Shay too; it was her first time seeing Finley.
"Hey, I'm going to hit the restroom," Alex said to Josefina.
"Sure, go ahead."
Alex made a quick exit.
Shay, unfazed by the bustling environment, approached Josefina with a smile. "Josie, it's been ages. Didn't expect to see you here."
Shay's outgoing nature made Josefina feel a bit reserved by comparison.
"It's quite the coincidence. I didn't expect to see Miss Shay at a business networking event."
Josefina knew that Shay wasn't employed at any company.
Shay's smile remained unfaltering. "Fin brought me along. I didn't have much going on, so I thought I'd check it out."
Josefina nodded with a smile. "You two seem like a good fit."
"Oh, Fin and I are just good friends, not a couple. I see him more like a brother. He's been a family friend for years."
Josefina was taken aback. Finley seemed head over heels for Shay.
Could Shay really be clueless about Finley's feelings?
As Josefina pondered this, Shay asked, "Josie, why aren't you hanging out with my brother?"
"We're both busy doing our own thing," Josefina replied with a polite chuckle.
"My brother still doesn't like me."
Shay's dejection was clear, tugging at Finley's heartstrings. "Silly girl, Oliver's just got that icy exterior but is warm inside. He's not big on small talk, and he's swamped with partnership discussions today. That's why he hasn't had a chance to talk to you."
She nodded slowly, her smile returning. "Fin, you better get back to work. Don't let me hold you up. I'm actually getting hungry, so I'll just grab a bite over there."
Shay made her way to the pastry table while Finley rejoined Oliver.
...
The gala was still in full swing when Josefina slipped out to the garden for some fresh air.
The room was getting stuffy, the smell of alcohol too strong, and she needed a breather.
She heard soft footsteps behind her.
Josefina stood to leave, but the person behind her quickly closed the distance, wrapping her in an embrace.

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