Page 295 of The Sinner: James

The venue is surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns, big trees, and plenty of space for the guests, a small lake stretching across one side of the property.

Linen-dressed tables are set on the terrace, while fountains, gazebos, and wooden benches litter the grass.

As the day slowly fades into the night, hundreds of candles come to life, making the place look like a fairy tale.

Rene and Donnie set the tone of the evening, and the laid-back atmosphere helps everybody to relax.

Their voices drift through the air, accompanied by the cheers and laughter coming from their guests.

People clink their glasses, indulge in the gourmet food, or spin slowly on the dance floor.

The women in attendance wear summer dresses, while the men sport dress pants and button-down shirts. A few have opted for suits, but none of them are dressed formally.

Eve looks heavenly in her red dress.

Sam, a twenty-three old man with brown hair and blue eyes, appears to be smitten with her. There’s chemistry between them, more than she likes to admit.

I spend some time chatting with a few guests before finding a quiet spot and retreating to the side.

Standing, I enjoy the perfect view.

After a few more minutes, I grab a glass of champagne and stroll to the nearby gazebos.

Leaning against a tree, I root my eyes to the dance floor. The place is flooded with light, the glow flowing into the sky.

Moving my gaze, I scan the crowd, suddenly wrestling with a strange feeling. The edge of a stare burns holes into my face, prompting me to flick my head to the side.

I glance around, yet I see nothing.

Unsettled, I bring my glass to my lips. The champagne is not strong enough to quench my nerves, so I focus back on the people, trying to keep myself distracted.

A few more moments pass before I sense that stare again.

Grappling with apprehension, I check the closest two pavilions again and notice something strange.

The lit tip of a cigarette glows against the backdrop of the night in one of the gazebos, the little light setting off a chemical reaction in my body.

My heart races, and my knees begin to quiver.

I keep my eyes glued to that patch of darkness, waiting for the cigarette to gleam again.

Sure enough, the light glows brightly for the second time, revealing a man’s face.

A man I know so well.

My blood freezes in my veins, and my heart starts pounding.

Trembling legs take me away from the tree, erasing the space between the pavilion and me.

The kiosk goes completely dark, making me doubt myself.

It can’t be him.

Slowing down, I walk past the kiosk when the little light comes to life again, flashing an orange-red glow.

I hesitate for a second before making up my mind and veering away, heading to the building.

A voice echoes in the dark behind me, and it flows through me, holding the same power over me as it always had, rendering me breathless even after all this time.

---