Page 105 of Johan.

When we arrive, Johan parks the car, and we step out, our footsteps echoing softly on the wet pavement. The grand entrance of the dining hall looms before us, lights twinkling invitingly from within. Hand in hand, Johan and I step into the dining hall. The room is elegantly decorated, the chandeliers casting a warm glow over the gathered guests. I feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness as we walk in, my hand firmly in Johan's. His presence beside me is reassuring, his grip gentle yet steadfast.

As we make our way through the crowd, heads turn, and I catch a few curious glances. I spot my great-aunt, Professor Amelia, across the room. She waves enthusiastically, her silver hair gleaming under the chandelier light as she makes her way over to us. Johan squeezes my hand gently, and I look up at him, feeling a surge of affection.

“Hannah, darling!” Amelia exclaims, pulling me into a warm hug. Her familiar lavender scent envelops me, bringing back fond memories. "It's so good to see you, dear.”

“Aunt Amelia,” I begin, unable to contain my curiosity, “how did the expedition to Ubar go? I've been dying to hear about it.”

Amelia’s eyes light up with excitement. “It was incredible. The ruins were even more fascinating than we anticipated. We found some remarkable artifacts that could provide new insights into the ancient trade routes.”

“That's amazing! I can't wait to hear all about it,” I reply, my enthusiasm matching hers.

“We'll be presenting our findings at the press conference in two weeks at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology,” she continues. “It's going to be quite the event. Everyone is eager to hear what we discovered.”

“I'm really looking forward to it,” I say, feeling a surge of excitement. The thought of being part of something so significant fills me with pride and anticipation.

Johan gently steers me around the room, his hand resting on the small of my back, introducing me to colleagues and friends. “This is Hannah, my girlfriend,” he says proudly, each time making my cheeks flush with happiness. I still can't quite believe it—he's introducing me as his girlfriend. The title feels both surreal and wonderful.

As we approach his parents, I feel a twinge of nervousness. His mother, a tall woman with sharp features, raises an eyebrow in surprise. “Johan, who is this lovely lady you're introducing to everyone?”

“Mum, Dad, this is Hannah van den Bosch, my girlfriend,” Johan explains, his voice calm and resolute.

“So, you and Astrid are really done for good?” His mother’s voice holds a hint of disappointment, her brow furrowing ever so slightly.

Johan meets her gaze, his tone firm yet calm. “The police are currently searching for her father, and soon enough, Astrid will be expelled from Cambridge for her abusive behavior toward me. Their downfall is imminent; you might as well get used to it.”

His mother’s eyes widen, her surprise clear as she processes the gravity of his words. For a moment, the air feels tense, but then her expression softens as she exhales. “You’re right. I apologize for the question; it was out of line.” Turning to me, herfeatures soften further, a genuine warmth spreading across her face. “It’s so lovely to finally meet you, Hannah,” she adds with a welcoming smile, extending her hand. “Johan has told me such wonderful things about you,” her tone now full of kindness and sincerity.

“It's nice to meet you too,” I reply, shaking her hand. Johan’s father also greets me warmly, and I feel a sense of acceptance. It’s as if a heavy weight has been lifted from Johan’s shoulders, and I’m glad to be here to support him.

The evening progresses with more introductions, laughter, and shared stories. During dinner, Johan begins to recount his adventure in Oman. His eyes light up as he describes the landscape, the thrill of the excavation, and the incredible moment they found the Star of Ubar.

“It was buried deep in a tomb, the intent clear they wanted it to remain hidden forever,” Johan explains, his voice filled with excitement. “We had to be so careful not to let Ludovic find out. He’d have tried to take it from us and sell it on auction.”

I listen, captivated by his story, feeling proud of his achievements and the challenges he overcame. As Johan continues, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out discreetly and glance at the screen. My heart sinks when I see the message from Astrid:Looks like Johan didn't waste time finding a substitute for me. Congrats, Hannah. Enjoy while it lasts. X

A knot forms in my stomach. I feel awful, the joy of the evening momentarily overshadowed by Astrid’s words. She needs to know the full truth about Johan and me; keeping her in the dark will only make things worse. Deciding it’s now or never, I excuse myself from the table, my palms clammy as I rise. Johan looks at me with concern, but I manage a reassuring smile, promising him I'll be back soon.

I step outside into the cool night air, the crisp breeze a stark contrast to the warmth inside. My hands tremble as I pull out myphone and dial Astrid’s number, the ringing echoing my rapid pulse. After a few agonizing moments, she picks up.

“Well, if it isn't the new girlfriend,” she says, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. “Astrid, it’s not what you think,” I begin, my voice level despite the turmoil inside. “I’ve known Johan for years and have always had a crush on him.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Astrid interrupts, her voice rising in anger.

“Let me finish,” I insist. She huffs in dismissal, but I continue, “I didn't know how to handle such a secret since you were so in love with him. But forcing him to get engaged to you using blackmail was beyond abusive and cruel. I might not have been completely honest with you, but you betrayed me just as much.”

There’s nothing for a few seconds; then, I hear a bitter chuckle through the line. “Wow, Hannah, well done. Who needs enemies with a friend like you,” Astrid snaps before cutting off the call.

“Hello?” I call out, but the silence that follows is deafening. The cold air bites through my clothes as I stand there, the weight of her words sinking in, my heartbeat gradually slowing to a heavy thud.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions before heading back inside. If she doesn’t want to hear me, then I guess we are truly done.

When I return to the dining table, Johan immediately notices the worry in my eyes.

“What's going on?” he asks softly.

I show him the message from Astrid. His expression hardens for a moment before he wraps an arm around me. “Don't worryabout that evil bitch,” he says quietly. “Soon enough, she'll be completely out of our lives.”

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