69. Chaos

The video played on the screen, the damning footage of that night when Nathaniel had kissed me. The guests were murmuring, their gazes shifting between the screen and me. My heart pounded so loudly I could hardly hear anything over it.

Nathaniel stood from his chair, scanning the room with a confused expression. He shook his head as if trying to deny what was unfolding in front of everyone.

“Ivan, please, it’s not what it looks like. I can explain,” I said, my voice trembling, trying to reach Ivan, who stood frozen, his gaze locked on the screen.

“Ivan, nothing happened. It’s a setup! You have to believe me!” Nathaniel added, his voice pleading, but Ivan didn’t even glance at him. He was like a statue, eyes dark with disbelief and rage.

Then, in an instant, Ivan turned and punched Nathaniel square in the face. The sound of the blow echoed through the hall as Nathaniel staggered backward, holding his jaw.

“I didn’t do anything! It was an accident!” Nathaniel tried to defend himself, bu