Chapter 1

Adriana’s POV

"Adriana, you made it!"

I froze the second I heard his voice. Enzo, my ex, the one I never truly got over, stood there grinning like he hadn't broken my heart. He pulled me into a hug before I could stop him. The warmth of his body, the way he smelled—familiar, comforting. I closed my eyes, breathing him in as the world disappeared. He still felt like home.

He pulled away just enough to look at me, a smile tugging at his mouth. "Wouldn't miss it, buddy," I said, my voice cracking more than I intended. I cleared my throat, hoping he didn't notice.

Five years. Five years since we ended things, and here I was, standing at his wedding, playing the part of a "good friend."

I wasn't here to mess anything up. I wasn't here to make a scene. God, that would be pathetic. I was here because Enzo and I had somehow become friends again. Despite everything, despite him getting engaged to Alicia, here I was, invited to this "pre-wedding fun time" thing. The one where close friends get a last moment with the bride and groom before the big day.

As much as I wanted to walk away, it was hard to avoid.

But I'd promised myself I wouldn't let him see how badly this still hurt.

I was snapped back to reality when Alicia stepped forward, sliding into his side. She was all smiles and air kisses, a little too friendly as she sized me up. My stomach twisted. He draped a hand over her shoulder, pulling her close, and I hated how it felt—like a knife in my chest.

Alicia.

I hated her, and I knew she hated me. She had no right to stand there with him like that. I was the one who'd been with Enzo back when he had braces and a bad haircut. I was the one who'd loved him when he was nothing special, not her.

I swallowed the bile rising in my throat, forcing a smile. "Congratulations on your wedding," I said, trying to sound normal.

Alicia didn't respond with warmth. Instead, she wrinkled her nose. "Where's your date?" she asked, eyeing me with disdain.

Of course she would ask that.

I opened my mouth to answer, but Enzo glanced at me and laughed—loudly, throwing his head back like I was some joke. My heart sank, but I pushed the sting down. I'd come here to be calm, to show I'd moved on. No need to show him how much that hurt.

"My date... something came up. He couldn't make it," I said quickly, voice strong, but even I could hear the hesitation.

Enzo laughed again, and I wanted to punch him. "Did you even plan to come with a date?" he teased. "When was your last relationship, Adriana? Ours?"

I flinched. The words hit harder than expected, a raw reminder of how I hadn't moved on, how I'd spent these years keeping Enzo's ghost alive.

I swallowed, trying to keep my voice steady. "I've dated... a few times," I said, forcing a smile. "But you know, I'm always too busy."

Enzo didn't miss a beat, his smile growing as he leaned toward Alicia. "Last I checked, Adriana still loves me more than anyone else could."

I almost choked on my laughter, a bitter sound. "No, no, I'm definitely over you," I said quickly, but my voice cracked. "Five years, Enzo. Who wouldn't be over their ex by now?"

Alicia raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Last I remember, you were obsessed with him. Stalked him for a year."

Heat rushed to my face. I'd hoped no one would remember that phase, but Alicia wasn't about to let me forget.

"Those were... coincidences," I muttered. "We ran into each other at parties. Not a big deal."

Enzo clicked his tongue, shaking his head with that smug grin. "You didn't even like parties."

"You're exaggerating," I snapped, but Enzo wasn't backing off. Alicia, standing at his side like a queen, was loving every second.

"Adriana always showed up at every party," Enzo said with a laugh, looking at Alicia, "and it was adorable, right?"

Alicia scowled. "It was creepy," she said flatly.

I hated that she was right. It wasn't just awkward; it was desperate. I'd followed Enzo around, hoping to find some piece of him that still cared, but I never found it.

"Parties are fine once in a while," I said, forcing a smile, but my stomach twisted. "I wasn't stalking anyone. And I'm definitely over it. Enzo and I are friends now."

Alicia folded her arms, her gaze hard. "I just don't want you getting any ideas," she muttered.

I laughed, but it felt thin. "Oh, don't worry. I ship you two. Really." I forced a smile. "My boyfriend will be here soon."

Lie. My "boyfriend" wasn't showing up. Zayn, the guy I'd begged to be my fake date, had vanished this morning. I hadn't heard from him since he'd missed the flight, and now I looked like a fool.

Alicia's expression didn't change. "Just don't try anything funny," she said as Enzo pulled her closer, kissing her cheek like it was natural.

Too much. My heart burned, and I wished I could vanish.

I couldn't. Not yet.

"She's just here to support us, love," Enzo finally said, defending me for the first time today, but it wasn't enough.

I'd always known Enzo was never fully on my side. Not really.

The group started moving toward the building, laughing like old times. The sound made my heart sink deeper. Enzo and Alicia led the way, and I followed behind, feeling every inch the outsider.

When we reached the door, a few of Enzo's old friends came up to greet me, throwing teasing remarks. My face burned with embarrassment as they laughed, knowing exactly how much I still cared.

Freeds' voice rang out. "You really here, Adriana? You over Enzo yet?"

I tried to laugh. "Of course, Freeds. You look good, by the way."

He grinned, but then Jules stepped forward, looking me up and down with an exaggerated smirk. "You've changed, but not much. Still got that same wardrobe."

I hated the way my insides twisted. They were right. I was still the same girl who'd followed Enzo around. Nothing had really changed.

I made a show of smiling, but all I wanted was to escape.

As I asked Tyler to show me to my room, Enzo didn't even notice. He was too wrapped up in his fiancée.

I trudged behind, my mind racing. I had to show everyone. I had to show Enzo. I'd moved on. Even without Zayn.

Somehow, I'd prove it.

"Adriana, are you okay?" Tyler asked, glancing at me.

I gave him a thin smile. "Yeah. I'm fine. Just a little tired."

But I wasn't fine. Not by a long shot.

And this weekend was about to get worse.