?Chapter 793:


    Before they could say another word, one person grabbed Dolores’ hand, another took Dustin’s arm, and the pair was gently pulled back toward the party.


    “Come on, let’s dance! You’ll forget whatever it was after a few spins!”


    As they were swept into the rhythm of the music, someone else added, “Yeah, couples fight all the time. Don’t say things you’ll regret. Cool off first—then talk it out.”


    Their words hit Dolores all at once—and she realized they had misunderstoodpletely. She blinked, stunned. Wait… what?


    She quickly spoke up. “No, no! We’re not a couple!”


    Dustin was equally surprised. He hadn’t seen thating at all.


    But when Dolores denied it so fast, a quiet sting settled in his chest.


    The others picked up on his face and exchanged knowing looks.


    “Oh! So, you’re still working on it? Well, don’t blow it, man. Rule number one—don’t make her mad before she’s even yours,” one of the guys said with a smirk as he pped Dustin on the shoulder.


    Dustin flushed. His ears turned red, then the blush spread across his whole face.


    Being mistaken for Dolores’ boyfriend didn’t bother him.


    But hearing them talk like he was chasing her made his heart race—and not in a good way.


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    “You…” he stammered, lost for words.


    Anyone who knew Dustin—the cool, smooth-talking yer—would have been stunned to see him like this.


    Dolores, seeing how flustered he looked, assumed it was just the teasing getting to him.


    With a carefree smile, she slung an arm over his shoulder andughed. “Come on, don’t be ridiculous! We’re just friends. No way we’d date. He’s not my type!”


    She said it fast, loud, and with zero hesitation.


    Dustin stared at her, stunned. Herugh rang in his ears, but all he could feel was the sharp ache in his chest. It hit like a p, clean and unexpected.


    The group nced between the two, amused.


    Whatever was going on between them—it was clearly something worth watching.


    “No matter what, we met by fate tonight—so let’s have a good time!” one of them dered with a grin, their energy still buzzing.


    Before Dolores or Dustin could even protest, hands grabbed theirs and tugged them along. “There’s drinks, barbecue, and music inside! Nobody’s going home till we’ve all had our fun!”


    Dolores, ever the social butterfly, was quick to fall in step. Within minutes, she wasughing and chatting like she had known them all for years.


    Meanwhile, Dustin wasn’t so lighthearted. He sat quietly, still mulling over what Dolores had said earlier.


    She caught a glimpse of him—his expression dark, shoulders low, not even a flicker of amusement on his face.


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