Chapter 2

"If you ever get mistreated, come to me. Logan and I might've grown up together, but I'm not about to take his side. If anything happens, I've got your back!"

The people around us broke into applause.

"That's our queen! Still as cool as ever!"

Leah paused, then looked past me to Logan, who was sitting on my other side.

"Hey, what's up with you? We haven't seen each other in three years. Why are you so quiet?"

The others at the party resumed drinking and chatting, but their eyes were locked on the three of us, eager not to miss a second of the drama.

Logan's ears turned visibly red.

He didn't even dare look at her. Instead, he held his drink and forced a joking tone as he replied, "I just don't know what to say to you. We're not as close as we used to be."

Leah chuckled. "So it's my fault for not keeping in touch these past three years?"

She raised her glass toward him. "Then let's keep in touch from now on."

Logan glanced at me before answering, "I'm under strict supervision now. If you want to reach me, you'll have to go through my wife first."

They clinked glasses, exchanging a smile as if putting the past behind them.

Their conversation was open. There were no hidden messages, no subtle hints—just candid words. But for some reason, I felt suffocated sitting between them.

Maybe because, after three years together, I knew Logan's body language too well. And tonight, I could tell that he was way too tense.

The night went on. Drinks flowed, songs were sung, and games were played. By the end of it, most of the people were drunk.

Logan lost a drinking game to Leah and had to choose between a dare or a truth.

After keeping it classy all night, Leah finally let loose. She tilted her head, tipsy and playful, and asked, "If I crash your wedding and try to steal you away, would you come with me?"

Immediately, the already-excited crowd went wild.

"Finally! No more pretending!"

"Yeah, now this is what we came for!"

"Come on, Logan, answer! Would you go with her?"

Logan's eyes were slightly red from drinking. He looked at Leah with emotions swirling in his gaze. Then, with complete seriousness, he uttered, "Yes."

The room erupted.

"Knew it!"

"Wedding crash incoming!"

Their cheers drew the attention of everyone at the venue.

As I sat between the two of them, I felt like the walls were closing in on me. I couldn't breathe, and my hands started to tremble.

I had no idea how to handle this. So I fled by making an excuse to go to the restroom.

Holding back tears, I texted my best friend, Josie Lawson.

"Can you pick me up as soon as possible?"

Her call came immediately. "What happened? Did they mess with you?"

"No, just—don't ask. Can you just come?" My voice wavered. I could hardly hold it together.

Josie's tone turned anxious. "I'm on my way! Ten minutes—no, seven!"

"It's not that urgent. Drive safe."

"Shut up!"

…

Seven minutes later, Josie arrived in her Bugatti. The car screeched to a halt with enough force to almost send sparks flying off the wheels.

As soon as I saw her, my composure crumbled, and tears filled my eyes.

Josie grabbed my hand, hard to hold back her anger as she bellowed, "What did you people do to her? Logan, are you blind? She's upset, and you're just standing there?"

Josie was from an absurdly wealthy family. She was bold and domineering with a presence that commanded the room. The moment she stepped in, the entire group fell silent.

Her sharp gaze landed on Leah. "Oh, so it's you."

Leah stood up and took my hand, smiling as if we were the best of friends. "We were just playing a game. Why so serious? I'm kind of dense and didn't realize you'd take it to heart. My bad."

Josie yanked me behind her and spat, "Who said you could touch her? You're not dense. You're just pretending to be dumb."