CHAPTER FOURTEEN - THE BEACH PARTY

Karina wiped away the tears streaking her cheeks as she and Kayla walked along the park path in silence. The image of John embracing Lexi kept replaying in her mind, each time feeling like a slap to the face. "Hey, isn't that Matthew up ahead?" Kayla said, nudging Karina. Karina followed her gaze and saw the familiar figure of her fiancé strolling towards them. Of course this night could get even worse. "Oh great," she muttered, quickly dabbing at her eyes. "Karina? Kayla?" Matthew called out, giving them a friendly wave as he approached. "Fancy meeting you two here." "Hi Matthew," Kayla replied politely. Karina managed a tight smile, not trusting herself to speak. She avoided his warm brown eyes, knowing she'd surely start crying again if she looked into them. "You okay?" Matthew asked, brow furrowing with concern as he took in Karina's red-rimmed eyes. "You've been crying." "I'm fine," Karina lied, hating the tremor in her voice. "Just...allergies." Matthew clearly didn't be