2. Hi, Peaches

Chapter 2

Olivia;

" What's wrong?” Marcus was asking, his tone laced with concern, but I was barely paying attention to him. My eyes were fixated on her.

She was so engrossed in speaking to someone–laughing. I suddenly wanted to be anywhere else. I needed to breathe.

“Do you know her?” Marcus asked, following my gaze.

My fingers clenched into fists and I turned to him, my voice in a whisper, “Do you?”

“That should be Layla, I suppose,” he said casually.

Of course, it was.

“My brother's girlfriend.”

The room tilted, and I blinked fast. “Where is the restroom? I…I don't feel good.”

Marcus' gaze instantly softened, his hands coming to rest at the small of my back. “Are you okay? Babe, what's wrong this time?”

“I'm fine, I promise. I just need to get to the restroom real quick.”

I had just taken a step away when a soft voice called my name.

“Olivia?”

I turned, and was greeted by a warm, elegant woman with gracefully styled auburn hair and an effortlessly expensive outfit. Her eyes sparkled with warmth as she smiled.

“I’m Wendy Kingston,” she said, stepping closer. “Marcus’s mother.”

“Oh. Mrs. Kingston. It’s so lovely to meet you.” I quickly composed myself, putting on a small smile as I extended a hand.

She waved it off gently and pulled me into a light embrace instead. “None of that formal stuff, dear. Please, call me Wendy.”

Her eyes scanned me fondly.

“Goodness, you’re even more beautiful in person. That dress is stunning on you. Truly. You look absolutely radiant.”

I blushed a little, unsure of what to say. “Thank you. You look… amazing too.”

She beamed. “I’m so glad Marcus finally brought you home to us. You’re going to make a perfect addition to the family.”

I smiled again, trying my best to look calm, even though my heart was pounding.

“I hate to be rude, Wendy,” I said gently, “but could you point me in the direction of the restroom? I’m feeling a little... lightheaded.”

“Oh, sweetheart, of course.” She gestured with a nod. Just go down the hall and take the second door on your left. Take your time, dear. We’ll be right here.”

“Thank you.”

I offered a polite smile and walked quickly away, my heels clicking softly against the floor.

The moment the restroom door clicked shut behind me, I let out a breath. I didn't realize I was holding, but I collapsed against the door, my chest heaving.

I felt like vomiting. My hands trembled as I clutched at the sink for balance. I found myself in front of the mirror, staring at my pale reflection, mascara already streaked down my cheeks.

I splashed cold water on my face, trying to breathe, but each inhale came out ragged.

Fuck. What the hell is wrong with me?

I just had to compose myself, go out there and act like everything is cool. It was all in the past. And the past should have nothing to do with the present.

But what was she doing here?

I reached for the door handle— opened, and almost slammed into someone.

Before I could get my bearings, I was pushed back in, and I heard the click of the door shutting.

My breath hitched, and my eyes widened as I stared at the man in front of me.

No!

No, no no...

I stumbled backwards, just as he took a step forward.

Damon.

My Damon.

My ex-boyfriend. The man I'd fallen madly in love with. The man who had ripped my heart out into tiny pieces and handed the cracks back to me.

The trauma I tried so hard to bury these past years, split open instantly. The memories rushed through my head as I recalled that awful summer.

The summer everything turned upside down. The summer my life took a drastic turn.

He kept staring. God, I know those eyes. His jaw ticked, just slightly, scanning me with an emotion I couldn't decipher.

I swallowed hard as I watched him, trying to keep my expression neutral, and my heart from beating too fast for safety.

He was dressed in button-up slacks and shirt with the first three buttons undone.

The more I stared at him, at those green swirls of his eyes, the more my chest tightened. I never imagined what my reaction would ever be should we ever meet. Hell, I never thought I would ever see him again.

I made sure of that.

His lips parted, green eyes staring at me in astonishment, his voice smooth, but guarded, "Hi Peaches..."

God...

"Wh...what are you doing here!?" I uttered, too stunned to find words, trying so hard to not dwell on how much I'd actually missed his voice.

"I could ask the same," he said, and before I knew it, he'd taken quick strides towards me, one strong hand grabbing my waist, and the other cupping my cheeks. "Fuck, Olivia. I can't believe it's you."

I leaned into him instinctively, taking in deep lungfuls of breaths as his musk scent washed over me.

His touch... goodness.

For a moment, I let myself bask in his familiar presence, that safety I had once felt whenever he held me close.

His hands tightened around me, but that was enough to pull me out of the haze and I pushed him away.

I need to leave.

"This....this is the ladies' room. You shouldn't be here."

" I thought I saw someone like you, and I needed to be sure. I...Olivia, do you know how long I've searched for you?"

His words caught me off guard, his tone surprisingly soft. If I was still naive and stupid, I'd have thought for a second that he actually cared about me.

I couldn't do this. I needed to leave. So I pulled away from his hold, and took a few steps past him, heading for the door. But his hands gripped my wrists tightly, before I could even move.

In a split second, I was pulled flush against his rock-hard chest.

"Get your hands off me!"

"Don't walk away from me, Liv. I won't let you this time. Do you even realize the damage you caused?"

"Excuse me!?" I tried so hard to fight the tears threatening to spill. I can't deal with this right now. " The damage I caused you!? Listen... I don't know what games you're playing or what exactly you're doing here, but I need you to stay out of my way, Damon. I mean it."

He tried to hold me back, but I pushed past him and sauntered out of there.

I walked back to the hall on legs that barely felt like mine.

My palms were cold. My heart wouldn’t slow down. I told myself to breathe, to smile, to act normal—whatever that meant. But how could I do that, when I just want to curl up somewhere and disappear?

Damon being here just split open something I never imagined. Bringing back those horrific memories I'd tried to bury.

But now I had to pretend everything was fine in front of Marcus’ whole damn family.

Get a grip, Olivia.

As I stepped into the room, it seemed the noise returned all at once—laughter, clinking glasses, murmured conversations. My eyes darted around automatically, checking.

Marcus was exactly where I needed him. Standing near the wine table, with a glass of wine, which he gulped in one go. His posture was tense. One hand was shoved into his pockets like he always did when he was pissed at something.

He looked up, and our eyes met, his expression brightening instantly. “Over here, babe!” he called, smiling.

I forced one in return and walked over.

He met me halfway, brushing a light kiss to my temple. “Are you okay?” he whispered.

“Yeah,” I said. “Much better.” A lie, but I needed to say it.

“Oh! Perfect timing,” Marcus began to say as his eyes locked on something behind me, and I slowly turned. “Meet my non-existent brother, Damon Kingston. Damon, this is Olivia, my fiancèe.”

I turned and froze, the color draining from my face the second time today.