398 The depressing love triangle!

The vocalist was singing 'Head over heels,' a song about a man's confusion over being head over heels in love with a woman. There's more context to their relationship, but overall, it sounded romantic as the band vocalist passionately delivered every note perfectly. He had his charism on the stage, entertaining and drawing attention.

On the contrary, the newfound resentment against Lillian Grey made Diego cold and distant. He never followed her after she hurriedly took off with Giselle. As the party kept going, Diego slowly worked around with different people, interacting with them aimlessly. The early rage told him to be stubborn, and he obeyed by ignoring Lillian. It felt great as he was always the one to act clingy.

At some point, they had to cross paths and faced each other. Earlier, Lillian was only trying to protect Giselle from his sporting gaze, but now, she didn't mind his company. Besides, Anna was there, and it triggered the three to become a trio once again. Being the chatty one, Anna carried their conversation like an ace. However, even a stranger could feel the friction between Lillian, Giselle, and Diego.

***

Following the sensational performance from the singer, it was now time for the drummer to hit the spotlight as the band now played 'Everybody wants to rule the world,' by the same 'Tears for Fears.'

It was an outdoor party on New Year's Eve, so Shane knew he needed to provide enough warmth to protect his guests from feeling under the weather. Also, as they sunk into the night, the cold winds played their magic in the air, dashing around fearlessly. Luckily, Shane had prepared an outdoor campfire in the middle of the yard. He set it up once all his guests had arrived, and when another long session had come to an end, the band members made themselves comfy by occupying the nearer spot in front of the fire. They were taking a break from performing while the guests were indulging themselves with snacks and drinks.

Inside the house, it was hustling like a club with waiters carrying rows of tequila shots. Those who felt sick from staying out too long went back inside the house to rest a while. Shane had announced that around midnight, everyone including, the people who worked, should join him and the band outdoors to celebrate the New Year with a countdown. There will also be fireworks for everyone to enjoy. Thus, before getting ready for the main event, guests are allowed to entertain themselves.

A couple of guys hit the pool table to play snooker. Most of the ladies remained to chat with each other while the guys playing had their female company cheer for them.

The living room turned much livelier with a special crowd.

Shane was passing by when he caught the sight of his old man joining his fellow guests. They all surrounded a guy, supposed to be Shane's junior, who is now working for Keyline publication. Shane doubted to walk over and overheard the guy sharing about his recent love interest. The young man was welcoming free advice to impress this new woman in his life. Along with the drinks, the ideas only got weirder and perverted. Shane signaled at his grandfather and whispered,

"What the hell are you doing here? Where's grandma-"

Shane's grandfather looked around and then informed how his lovely wife took the company of pretty ladies somewhere else. Shane's look of judgment was evident, and his grandfather rushed him to leave and not bother him for a while. Shane backed off likewise and saw how gay his grandfather looked, having fun with the younger crowd. Watching his grandfather made him think of his parents. Unlike him or the old man, those two follow traditions like going to church every Sunday.

Shane let his old man have his fun and then hunted for his grandmother, who should be with the young crowd as well. He thought how well-matched his grandparents were together.

After spending a good time searching around, Shane had toured his house twice and still didn't meet an old woman. He had his doubts before entering the backyard. But, he quickly caught a glimpse of his target at the snack station, dipping eatables at the chocolate fountain alongside Anna's husband, Jake. They indulged in sweet treats. A couple of distance away from them was where Lillian and her group camped. Anna was entertaining her friends busily. Shane noticed how Lillian stuck with Giselle closely. He saw Jenna having a good time as well. With a smile, Shane went back inside the house. It was time he went to the kitchen to oversee things.

As if he had stepped into a battlefront, Shane saw himself as a burden to the waiters coming and leaving in a hurry. Seeing the menu setup for tonight, some of the guests had partaken in dining. Apparently, it triggered a drinking contest between two best friends, both of them coming from Shane's high school days. Aside from general dining, big batches of drinks were getting dispatched timely. Shane let the chef and his team focus on their job and quietly left the room.

Time passed as he spent time inspecting around the house, making sure all of his guests were having a good time. Finally, it was half-past eleven and only less than thirty minutes left to reach midnight.

Shane finally sat down. The band members ate their dinner and had a small break sharing drinks before returning to take their spotlight. The guests have also slowed down on their drinking game and spent more time listening to the music.

Big hits from Bee Gees cued people to participate in dancing.

As expected, Jake pulled his wife to dance for the song, 'Night Fever,' and they rocked. The couple danced in sync perfectly, inspiring others to join. Lillian got excited and asked Giselle to dance, but Giselle felt ridiculously shy and turned down the offer. The same goes for Jenna too. Seeing how both of them rejected her, Lillian had no choice but to ask his old buddy Diego.

It was the first time Shane had noticed Diego's face bloom into happiness. All while this guy had been acting mysteriously. Not to blame, but that's how Shane categorized Lillian's friend from childhood. This guy had always been difficult to approach. But all that rigor disappears when he's with Lillian Grey.

Meanwhile, Diego's inner demon hesitated from this strange invitation. He wondered why he was taking time when usually it would be natural for him to take Lillian to the dance floor. Nevertheless, he accepted her request.

Diego and Lillian joined Anna and Jake, who rejoiced at notice, followed by Shane's grandparents and his next-door neighbor, who got invited to hang out as well. It was enough to fill the area as people moved with the beats together.

Diego acted differently from the time he used to before as if it was his first time dancing with Lillian. This moment made him question his breaking sanity- whether he was crazy since he couldn't enjoy his dance.

To increase Diego's madness, the band performed a song called 'Who loves you' by 'The Four Seasons.'

Every line screamed what he had felt for several years. Lillian was more involved in the dance that her face kept beaming to his sight, and the illusion began. Diego smiled back at Lillian. It was an upbeat song perfect to demonstrate the dance steps, and Diego lost himself with every word of the lyrics.

It was strange that Lillian and Diego's performance began to dominate the dance floor. They were passionate in their own perspective, which received attention from everyone present, including Giselle. She probably had a tough time watching Lillian dance with Diego when the song basically screams his true feelings for her. At first, Giselle was disinterested to even look at them. But when everyone surrounding started to cheer for the two upcoming contenders, Giselle had no choice but to peek. Her gaze followed Lillian and Diego back and forth.

Diego was enjoying himself, with all his gaze fixated at Lillian while the other had her eyes set far away from her partner.

Giselle doubtfully turned around to check, but she soon realized that Lillian's gaze kept visiting her. It surprised Giselle with an underwhelming joy because she could see this depressing love triangle between the three. It was a painful sight to witness, especially considering Diego's current state. The man looked as if he could go crazy at any minute.

Giselle knew his love for Lillian.

And Giselle kept it a secret. She wondered how long will this game of tag last long.