LOGINFlynn picked me up around seven for our date. On the way to the restaurant, he played songs we'd grown up listening to, singing along and laughing whenever one of us got the lyrics wrong. It was fun, chaotic, and surprisingly relaxing.By the time we arrived, we were both in high spirits. We ordered our meals, and Flynn kept cracking jokes that had me laughing throughout.This was the Flynn I'd met when we first started dating. The funny, charming man I'd enjoyed spending time with, not the insecure version he'd become since we returned from Los Angeles.We were talking about college, and I was telling him about a professor whose lectures could put an entire class to sleep."I used to wonder how that man got his job. He was literally the B in boring."I laughed, but Flynn didn't. He was looking past me, his jaw clenched.I followed his gaze and immediately wished I hadn't.Chase was sitting a few tables away with a gorgeous woman in a red dress. She was laughing so freely at something
“Of course it's too early, Flynn. We've been dating for less than a month. Why would you want to rush into marriage when we barely know each other?”"But I've known your brother for years, and our families have been close for a long time. It's not like we're complete strangers. Besides, we can always get to know each other better in marriage.""That's not how I want to do things. What if we get married and realise we're not compatible? What happens then? Divorce and all the messiness that comes with it? I'd rather we take our time and do things properly. There's no reason to rush."He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm just scared, Hannah.""Scared of what?""That Chase might convince you to leave me."I sighed. "Flynn, can you please stop bringing Chase into every conversation we have? Because if you keep doing this, it's going to feel like there are three people in this relationship.""I'm sorry. I just don't want to lose you." He reached for my hand. "Can you at least promise me you
I didn't answer his question. Instead, I took out my phone, opened the recording app, and went straight to the interview."Hi, Mr. Hayes. What would you say your childhood was like, and how did it shape the man you are today?"Chase chuckled and took a sip of his drink before answering."I'd say I had a pretty fun childhood. I grew up privileged, attended the best schools, and had almost everything money could buy. But the best part was having my parents around. They were busy people, with a lot on their plates, but they always made time for us. My siblings and I never had to compete with their businesses for attention. I think that shaped me into the family-oriented man I am today.""What would you say is the downside of coming from a wealthy family?"“People discredit your hard work," he answered. "No matter how much effort you put into something, there'll always be someone saying you only succeeded because of your family. And look, I'm not denying the privilege. I know I've had opp
When Chase finished cooking, he placed a plate in front of me with a proud smile."Bon appétit."He stood beside me, watching as I picked up my fork and took a bite."Well? How is it?"Surprisingly good.I took another bite. He'd clearly paid attention in that cooking class, but I wasn't about to admit it. Chase already had a big ego, and I had no intention of feeding it."It's okay," I said.He chuckled. "You mean great, but I'll take it."He was standing too close, and being shirtless wasn't helping. My eyes kept drifting to his chest, no matter how hard I tried to concentrate on my food."Can you please go put on a shirt?"Chase glanced down at himself, then smiled. "I remember you used to love my abs."I dropped my fork. "Chase, I swear to God, if you don't behave yourself, I'm walking out of here. And I'll quit that damn job if I have to."He raised both hands in surrender, looking thoroughly amused. "Okay, okay. I'll go put on a shirt."He left the kitchen, and I returned to my
Chase held out his hand for a handshake. I glared at it, then at him. It took Mr. Sterling clearing his throat for me to remember where I was.I forced a professional smile and shook his hand. "We're happy to have you, Mr. Hayes."Mr. Sterling explained that Chase had approached the company about publishing his memoir. He wanted us to handle the entire project, and I had been personally assigned to oversee it, conduct the interviews, work closely with him throughout the process, and write the manuscript myself.I reminded Mr. Sterling that my job was editing. "Perhaps you meant to call Heidi. She's one of our writers.""No, Hannah. I meant you. I've seen your writing, and I'm confident you can handle this. I'm already excited about the outcome."I opened my mouth to argue, but Chase beat me to it, rising from his chair."All right, Mr. Sterling. I'll leave you two to work out the details.""You won't regret choosing us," Mr. Sterling assured him.As Chase walked past me, he leaned clo
Hannah's POVFlynn didn't say a word to me throughout the flight from Los Angeles to Boston.I knew he was pissed, and I understood why. It had been one hell of a week, especially with everything that happened at Mason and Mia's wedding.We'd even argued over the hotel arrangements on the day of the bachelor and bachelorette party. I'd asked Flynn to move with me to the hotel Mason and Mia had booked for the wedding guests, but he insisted we stay at the one he'd booked.I explained how inconvenient it would be to attend the party and have to drive back to another hotel while everyone else simply went up to their rooms. He wasn't happy about it, but eventually agreed.By the time our flight landed in Boston, it was already late. His driver was waiting for us, and the silence continued all the way to my apartment."Goodnight, Flynn," I said when we arrived, expecting him to leave.Instead, he got out, retrieved my suitcase from the trunk, and followed me inside without a word.He dropp
“Mason… how did you even find—”The words barely left my mouth before he took my hand and led me straight to his car parked outside.“Mason…”“Get in.”The way he said it shut everything down. Whatever I wanted to ask stayed stuck in my throat.I got into the back seat. He slid in beside me, the do
MiaFrom the hotel, I drove straight home with only two things on my mind.First, I needed a shower. After that, I would go through everything I owned to see if there was anything worth selling. I couldn’t risk putting all my hope on Mason.The house lights were on when I walked in, and the sound o
I stood in front of my parents’ door, my hand hovering in the air.This was the last place I ever wanted to come back to. The last time I stood here, my father had made it very clear I was no longer his daughter.I drew in a slow breath and knocked, hoping it would be Nina who answered. If my fathe
MiaMy phone vibrated in my pocket while I was wiping down the last table in the ballroom.I froze, the cloth still in my hand, my heart pounding hard against my ribs. Mrs. Betty never called me this late unless something was wrong with Lior.I glanced around. The ballroom was nearly empty now, jus







