At that moment, Brielle approached Ariana, an artificial veil of sympathy draped around her, her arm entwined with Jasper's.

“Don't Let your grief consume you, Ariana," Brielle said, her voice dripping with faux concern, her eyes sparkling with concealed scorn.

She tried to close the gap between them, forcing a facsimile of tears, attempting to portray a depth of sisterly love she clearly did not possess.

"Your sorrow is mine too, Ariana. Take care of yourself, or else you'll leave me worrying.”

Jasper spared Ariana a swift glance, but before he could utter a word, a wave of nausea washed over her. She wanted nothing to do with them.