Just when I thought surprises were done for the day

Ashley’s POV

Jake was looking at me like I wasn’t real.

Like I was something he had dreamed and wasn’t sure e'd ever see again.

The air between us felt still and for a moment, I could still see that same Jake I had left back at the airport, the look that had been in his eyes back then, like something unspoken pressing at the surface.

How come I had never suspected when Mom mentioned his father’s last name was Reyes?

He still looked the same, only now more grown, sharper, broader, but more handsome, more… matured in a way that made it harder to look away.

Then Mom broke the moment.

“Seems like you both have met before.” Her eyes flicked from me to Jake and back again, quick and searching.

“Do we know each other?” I repeated, the words tasting dry on my tongue as I shook my head.

“No, we've never met.” I said quickly and forced a small smile, one that tugged at my lips and didn’t reach my eyes. The last thing I wanted was for her to know Jake and I had a past.

“Jake,” my mother said, turning to him, “this is my daughter. Ashley.”

“Nice to meet you, Ashley,” Jake said, offering a polite nod, like we were strangers passing on the street.

I kept my expression emotionless as I took his hand. His fingers closed around mine, warm and familiar, sending a faint shiver up my arm I refused to acknowledge. His hand stayed in mine longer than it should have. I slipped my hand away before Mom would notice

“So, I hope you both can get to know each other well, and move on well, as siblings,” my mother said, standing between us like a preacher joining two souls in holy matrimony.

I pressed my lips together, swallowing the urge to roll my eyes. Siblings? The word felt like a punishment I hadn’t agreed to. I’d rather be alone than be siblings with Jake.

Left alone with him, I fixed him with a hard stare, my fingers curling slightly at my sides. I just wanted to strangle him with my glare. This fucking reunion was definitely not what I needed at a moment like this. If anything, it had done nothing but reopen old wounds.

Just as I was about to turn and continue my inspection of the house, the faint echo of footsteps drew my attention. Mr. Reyes was coming down from the grand staircase, the polished wood creaking softly under his weight.

He had a bald head and looked like he was in his mid-fifties, but there was nothing ordinary about him. The crisp lines of his suit, the steady confidence in his stride, he looked every inch like the rich, powerful man he was.

His probing eyes settled on me, like he was trying to place a memory just out of reach. But he didn’t, he couldn’t. He had never seen me before. Back then, Jake and I had promised ourselves we would introduce each other to our parents once we were ready.

“Ashley?” he asked, stopping beside me.

“Mr. Reyes,” I said, turning to face him fully. “Pleasure to meet you, sir.”

He placed a firm hand around my shoulder, the weight of it grounding, like a proud stepfather, and teased, “You actually look more pretty than my son.”

My mom burst out laughing, bright and loud, and Mr. Reyes joined in, his chuckle deep and easy. But Jake and I didn’t. The sound seemed to fade around me as I felt his gaze again fixed on me like he couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing.

And honestly, I didn’t care if he fucking did or not.

Just as we were caught up in the introduction bullshit, a low voice drifted in from the entrance, smooth and familiar. Everyone turned toward the door.

William stepped in, dressed as cute as ever, the faint scent of his cologne reaching me even from across the room. He was on a phone call, his voice low and controlled, but the moment our eyes met, he stilled, and ended the call.

My eyes darted to Jake briefly, and I saw his expression tighten, his jaw ticking. A flicker of satisfaction slid through my chest as I crossed the room to welcome William.

“Sorry I’m late,” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear as his lips brushed my cheek.

“It’s fine,” I replied with a small nod, my voice steady.

I laced my fingers with his, and we turned toward my mother, Mr. Reyes, and Jake.

When William’s gaze landed on Jake, his fingers around mine tightened, almost possessive. Jake noticed. And for the first time, his jaw flexed like he was holding something back from exploding.

They stared at each other like drawn blades. The same look they’d had the last time they collided in college, when William and Jake got into a fight because of me.

Back then, it had been William’s fault. He was always trailing after me, showing up where I didn’t expect him, like he had nowhere else to be but wherever I was.

I knew this wasn't going to be the last time they'd look at each other like this.

“Jake,” William said first, his voice cold and his expression unreadable.

For a moment, Jake said nothing. His eyes flicked briefly to mine, dark and searching, before settling back on William. I watched his hand curl slowly into a fist, the tendons in his wrist tightening.

I pressed my lips together, trying to hold back the smirk threatening to form. Seeing him like this was giving me more satisfaction than I wanted to admit.

Mother looked at me, brows slightly raised, clearly waiting for me to speak up.

“This is William Levato,” I said, clearing my throat, my voice cutting through the tension. “My fiancé.”

My mother and Mr. Reyes exchanged a quick glance.

“It’s finally nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Reyes,” William said smoothly.

“Welcome to the family, son,” my mother said, pulling him into a side hug, her laughter soft and approving, while Mr. Reyes reached out to shake his hand.

Jake stayed off to the side, silent, his gaze fixed on us as everything unfolded.

When Mr. Reyes commented on William’s soft hand, Jake let out a quiet scoff, the sound barely there, as he looked away and shook his head slowly.

After the pleasantries were exchanged, William and I turned toward the staircase, ready to head upstairs to our room, when the faint sound of the door opening cut through the moment.

Another figure stepped into the living room.

Ava.

Great. Just when I thought the surprises were done for the day.