Page 63 of Johan.

My dad shakes Ludovic’s hand firmly. “Ludovic, this is impressive. The hall looks magnificent. Thank you for having us.”

Ludovic smiles warmly. “Always a pleasure to host such esteemed guests. We’re delighted you could join us.”

Astrid greets me with a bright smile, her lips grazing mine in a brief kiss.

“Is this for me?” she asks, noticing the gift in my hands.

I nod. “Yes.”

“Once everyone has arrived, I’ll meet you inside. Go have some champagne; Conrad is already there,” she says, turning back to greet the next guests.

Relieved that Astrid will be occupied for the next hour, I make my way inside. The hall is alive with festive music from a DJ, and waiters circulate with trays of champagne and amuse-bouche. The atmosphere is lively, but I feel out of place, scanning the room for familiar faces.

I spot Conrad at the bar, chatting with a woman I don’t recognize. Excusing myself from my parents, I head over. Conrad’s face lights up when he sees me, and we embrace.

“So good to see you!” Conrad exclaims, clapping me on the back.

“Glad to see you too,” I reply, feeling a genuine smile spread across my face for the first time that evening.

“Johan, this is Olivia,” Conrad says, introducing his companion. “She’s also doing a master’s degree in business.”

I shake her hand, asking a few polite questions about her studies. Olivia answers graciously, her enthusiasm evident. A photographer appears, snapping a picture of the three of us. After the brief photo op, I place the gift on a table where others have been arranged, then head to the bar for a whiskey.

Conrad is engrossed in conversation with Olivia, so I take the opportunity to glance around, looking for anyone I know. To my surprise, I spot Dean Henry Pembroke, along with Professor Anderson, the head of my department. Sir Gregory, head of the council at Cambridge, is also here—a stark reminder of how closely Ludovic is tied to the influential figures at Cambridge.

My phone buzzes with a text from Hannah, asking if everything is going well. Deciding I need some fresh air, I slip outside to find a quiet spot and call her. The cold air is a welcome change from the bustling warmth inside, and I lean against the wall as the phone rings.

Hannah answers almost immediately. “Hello?”

“It’s so good to hear your voice,” I tell her, feeling a bit of the tension ease.

Hannah chuckles, and I can hear her footsteps as she moves around. “I’m so happy to hear yours, too,” she replies. “How’s the party?”

“Boring. But at least Astrid is busy standing at the door and playing the host with her family, so that’s good.”

We talk for a bit more, and I ask about her New Year’s Eve plans.

“Roxanne and Andries are hosting a party in their penthouse in Amsterdam. It’s fun, with a young crowd of college students, writers, and creative folks.”

“I miss you so much, Hannah. I hope to fly back to Amsterdam soon.”

“I miss you too,” she says softly. “Stay safe, okay?”

As we hang up, I feel a pang of longing. I turn around to find Dean Pembroke and Professor Anderson stepping outside. Professor Anderson sees me first, a friendly smile spreading across his face as he approaches.

“Johan, how are you?” he asks, extending a hand. “Ludovic told me you were going to lead the team in Oman.”

I shake his hand firmly. “Yes, I’m quite excited about this expedition. The ancient city of Ubar is really fascinating.”

Dean Pembroke nods, his attention fully on us. “It’s an incredible opportunity. Best of luck with it.”

We talk briefly about the expedition, and Dean Pembroke congratulates me on my engagement with Astrid. The reminder stings, but I manage a polite smile.

“Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.”

As they head back inside, I take a moment to collect myself. The night is far from over, and I need to maintain my composure. Taking a deep breath, I step back into the hall, ready to face whatever comes next.

Not even a second later, Conrad comes over, patting me on the back. “Do you want to join me and smoke one of these?” he asks, showing me a Cuban cigar. I’m not one to smoke, but if that means going to a room far from Astrid and everyone else, so be it.

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