Evelyn's eyes swept over Amelia's outfit, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "Amelia, it's been years. You look more beautiful than ever."

"Evelyn! You're finally here!" Amelia's face lit up with pure joy. "I've been waiting for you."

She stepped forward and clasped Evelyn's hands warmly.

Amelia paused, a flicker of surprise and memory in her eyes. The simple gesture felt like a bridge across time.

Noticing the sharp angles of Amelia's face, Evelyn's expression softened with concern. Her fingers gently brushed a strand of Amelia's shoulder-length hair.

In college, Amelia's hair had cascaded down her back. Evelyn wondered what had prompted the change.

"You look thinner," Evelyn noted, her voice gentle but laced with worry. "Are you eating enough?"

With a light, encouraging push, Evelyn guided Amelia forward. "Come on, let's go inside. Everyone chipped in for a feast. We shouldn't let it go to waste!"

Amelia's mood seemed to lift, matching Evelyn's vibrant energy. "You're right. Let's go!"

Evelyn linked her arm through Amelia's affectionately as they walked toward the private room. "To be honest, if Lucas hadn't promised you were coming, I might have skipped this myself."

Amelia sighed softly. "Sorry I was late. My little one had a rough night, and my mom was struggling. It took a while to settle him down."

Evelyn nodded understandingly and guided Amelia to an empty seat, her hand resting briefly on her friend's shoulder.

Amelia's entrance sent a subtle shockwave through the room. Eyebrows were raised, and quick, discreet glances were exchanged among their former classmates.

Amelia Clarke actually showed up? And Evelyn brought her in?

Though startled, everyone quickly pasted on bright, if slightly strained, smiles.

"Amelia! It's been forever! How have you been?"

"Come on, sit down. You must be hungry."

Despite the warm words, a palpable awkwardness settled over the group. The ghost of a recent, unpleasant incident hung heavily in the air.

Sensing the shift, Amelia tilted her head slightly. "Is everything okay?"

Lucas, caught off guard, quickly offered a reassuring smile. "It's nothing, don't worry about it. You're late, so you must be starving. Please, help yourself to some food. There's juice too!"

His deflection seemed to signal a collective decision to ignore the tension. The crowd subtly shifted, playing along.

Amelia, sensing the unspoken agreement, decided to dismiss her unease as paranoia.

Evelyn's gaze scanned the room, pausing when she noticed a conspicuous absence.

Where was Anastasia?

Had she fled in embarrassment, or was there another reason?

Shrugging it off, Evelyn turned her full attention back to Amelia, drawing her into a warm, welcoming conversation.

"It really has been too long. Having you here makes this whole night better for me," Evelyn confessed, her eyes sparkling. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a confidential whisper. "I almost didn't come. But when Lucas said you'd be here, I had to."

Amelia laughed, a light, freeing sound that seemed to ease the remaining tension around them.

"I actually checked with Lucas too, to make sure you were coming. It's a relief to see a friendly face. You have no idea how much easier you're making this," she admitted with heartfelt sincerity.

Evelyn gave Amelia's hand a comforting squeeze. "Hey, enough of that. Let's just enjoy ourselves, okay?"

As she spoke, she casually picked up a slice of strawberry shortcake and offered it to Amelia. "Here, try this. You always loved this, remember?"