CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SIX – LOOK TO THE STARS

As the night wore on, Charlotte found herself feeling increasingly out of place. The conversation revolved around people and places she didn't know, inside jokes she didn't understand. Richard, caught up in reminiscing with his old friends, barely seemed to notice her discomfort. Sabrina, on the other hand, seemed to revel in it. She continually steered the conversation towards shared experiences with Richard, her hand never far from his arm or shoulder. "Oh, Richard," Sabrina giggled, leaning in close. "Do you remember that night in Mykonos? The one with the moonlight swim?" Richard chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "How could I forget? I've never seen anyone look so graceful falling off a yacht." Sabrina playfully swatted his arm. "You promised never to mention that again! I'll have you know I was perfectly poised... until someone pushed me." Their eyes met, and Charlotte felt a pang in her chest at the intimacy of the moment. As the night progressed, Sabrina's flirtations became m