Dahlia's POV
Cobb's eyes locked onto me the moment I stepped into the banquet hall.
I caught the flash of surprise that crossed his features. Clearly, he hadn't expected me to command attention in such an elegant gown.
The memory of my first appearance at Cobb's mother's birthday celebration came flooding back with painful clarity.
Cobb hadn't invited me that time. Ivana had been the one to call, mentioning casually that it was Flora's birthday and they'd reserved a private dining room at an upscale restaurant.
Back then, I'd been foolish enough to believe Ivana genuinely cared about me. Sure, she constantly hovered around Cobb and showed up at our apartment unannounced, but I'd never questioned the nature of their bond.
They weren't blood relatives, but their childhood friendship ran deep. I'd reasoned that their closeness was natural, much like my own protective relationship with Dorian.
