Chapter 73

• As the night wore on, Gabriella tried to relax and blend in, but it was hard. The music pounded in her chest, and the crowd around her felt suffocating. She sipped her drink slowly, hoping to calm her nerves. Miguel was already on his second drink, laughing and chatting with a group of people who had joined their table.
• Aleida continued to throw sharp glances in her direction, her displeasure evident. Gabriella wondered what she had done to earn such disdain. She knew she was an outsider in their family, but the hostility seemed excessive.
• Soon, Aleida left their table and joined the crowd recognizing a familiar face. "Are you planning to get drunk tonight?" Miguel yelled over the loud music joining Gabriella on her seat but Gabriella didn't hear him, she leaned closer placing her ear in the direction of his mouth.