As the warm, inviting atmosphere enveloped the table, Sylvia found herself seated next to Scott, who seemed as out of place as a fish stranded on dry land. His discomfort was palpable as he fidgeted in his seat, his gaze accidentally drifting to one of Sylvia's exposed thighs. Just as he looked away, Ben's voice sliced through the tension, introducing the sisters to his friends.

"David, I'm sure you need no introduction since you're already well acquainted with the sisters through your cousin, Shelley," Ben stated with a grin.

David nodded thoughtfully. "Absolutely right." He turned his attention to Mabel, who sat beside Shelley, exuding warmth. "Mabel! It's been far too long. How have you been? And how's James?"

"He's doing well, thank you! And I'm fine too, just keeping busy," Mabel replied with a smile. "What about you?"

"I'm good," David said, his casual demeanour making the atmosphere feel light.

Mabel chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Looks like married life is treating you well. You've put on a bit of weight—Sarah must be taking good care of you!" Laughter erupted around the table, mingling with Sarah's mock embarrassment as she playfully rolled her eyes.

Ben clapped his hands together, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone! Let the feast begin! Where's that waiter?"

A minute later, laughter and conversation filled the space as plates were passed around, and even Scott began to relax. The atmosphere was a beautiful blend of calm and energy, with the cool sea breeze and delightful drinks adding to the festive mood, all set against the backdrop of melodious African rhythms that wafted through the evening air.

Ben turned to Mabel, curiosity sparkling in his eyes. "So, Mabel... any special guy in your life?"

With a sly smile, Mabel took a sip of her drink, savouring the moment before responding. "Well, I wouldn't say I haven't met someone—because I have." Shelley's jaw dropped in surprise, her expression a mix of shock and intrigue. Mabel, catching her friend's reaction, hurried to clear things up. "But I wouldn't call him my boyfriend just yet. We're just taking it slow and seeing where this goes."

"Smart move," Ben nodded in approval. Then his gaze landed on Sylvia, who seemed engrossed in her drink, momentarily oblivious to the conversation. "So, Sylvia, I hear a little birdie told me you're curious about the story between Scott and me as siblings."

Sylvia nearly choked on her drink at the sudden and direct inquiry. The corners of Ben's mouth curled into a mischievous smirk as he observed her flustered state.

"Amm," she stammered, a nervous smile escaping. "It was just a harmless curiosity. You really don't need to worry about it."

Ben chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Harmless, you say? I think not! But fear not, I'm in a generous mood tonight, so I'll satisfy your curiosity after all."

"And a bit mischievous too, if you ask me," Shelley chimed in, her smile teasing.

"Very funny, Mrs. Adams." Ben grinned before launching into the captivating tale of his relationship with Scott, with Sylvia hanging on his every word, her curiosity fully piqued. The night seemed to grow even warmer as laughter and stories intertwined, weaving a tapestry of connection among friends.

***

Back at the lively bar, Sylvia tapped her nails against the counter, her impatience palpable as she awaited her drink. Suddenly, Scott slid to stand beside her, smoothly handing his own glass to the bartender.

"I'll have what she's having," he declared with a casual grin.

Scott stood there in silence, his eyes drifting over to Sylvia as her nails drummed an anxious rhythm. Finally, he broke the tension. "In a hurry, are we?"

Sylvia exhaled deeply, her frustration evident as she avoided his gaze. "So, you went ahead and told your brother about my little curiosity regarding your relationship with him?"

The bartender set Sylvia's drink in front of her, then passed a filled glass to Scott. He took a sip, savouring the moment before replying, "Yep. No secrets between us. I tell him everything." 

A look of surprise washed over Sylvia as the realisation hit her. She spun towards him, only to see Scott wearing a playful smirk. "Relax, I didn't spill the beans about your little insult to me behind my back... She let out a relieved breath...yet," he quipped.

Her expression turned serious as she locked eyes with him. "Don't tease me, Scott."

He held her gaze briefly before turning to leave, but not before glancing back with a charming smile. "By the way, you look absolutely stunning as always, Miss Benson." With that, he sauntered back to his table, leaving Sylvia momentarily speechless.

Meanwhile, at their table, Mabel's phone buzzed, breaking the rhythm of the evening. After a quick exchange, she excused herself, intending to make a trip to the ladies' room. However, just as she turned a corner, a hand gripped her arm, pulling her into a discreet alcove.

She gasped, her heart racing as she recognised him. "Bruce! What on earth are you doing here? I thought you were leaving the country tomorrow!"

"Yes, but I wanted to see you before I go," he replied, his eyes intent. "Can we find somewhere to talk?"

Mabel glanced around, anxiety creeping in. "Now? I can't just ditch my friends," she murmured.

Leaning closer, Bruce whispered something that made her cheeks burn with embarrassment. "How about you get us a guestroom here? I'll join you shortly," she suggested, her pulse quickening.

Bruce nodded, a secretive smile playing on his lips, before he slipped away. Mabel returned to the table, her mind racing. She reached for her purse. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have to take my leave. Something important came up," she announced, focusing on Sylvia. "I'm really sorry, sis, but I can't stay. I think you should catch a ride home with Shelley and your boss," she added lightly, a quick kiss on her sister's cheek sealing their moment. "Love you!" And with that, she dashed out, leaving her sister reeling and the evening vibrant with unanswered questions.

At home, Sylvia sat in front of her dressing mirror, applying pomade to her skin. As she worked, her mind wandered back to the complicated story behind Ben and Scott's sibling relationship. It struck her as curious that while both had the same father with his pale skin, their mothers were different. Although Mr. Adam had shared bits of their family history with her, she couldn't shake the feeling that there were secrets he hadn't revealed. Something felt off, especially since his explanations didn't clarify why they chose to keep their identities under wraps at work. "What are they really hiding?" she wondered. Her thoughts drifted back to Scott; he had more charm than he let on. Tonight, he wore a crisp white button-down shirt with the cuff rolled up paired with cream-colored smart jeans, his hair slicked back. He was oozing sex appeal. Scott wasn't an athlete, but his body had its own kind of strength—particularly in key areas like his legs and butt, which his outfit showcased perfectly. Just sitting next to him at dinner was torture, as all she could think about was what it would feel like to let her hand glide over his chest. Despite his unremarkable personality and the glasses he wore, he had a magnetic allure that drew her in.

Sylvia glanced at the clock on her bedside table, and suddenly a thought struck her—where was Mabel? When she first got home, she had checked Mabel's room, but the bed was empty. She had sent her a text earlier but hadn't received a reply. Anxiety crept in. If Mabel didn't respond soon, she wouldn't know how to explain her sister's absence to their parents in the morning. Just as Sylvia's worries grew, her phone buzzed with a message. She picked it up and saw it was from Mabel.

Mabel: Sorry for worrying you! One of my friends needed help, so I had to go over to her place. I'll be staying the night and will be home tomorrow. Don't wait up for me. Love you!

Sylvia let out a sigh of relief and quickly responded.

You: Alright, take care. See you tomorrow. Goodnight!

She ended the call and set her phone aside, then slipped onto her bed, ready to call it a night.