The Known Gentlemen

I looked around the house I'd decked out for after the wedding—hearts, ribbons, all of it—and it suddenly felt like a joke.

I used to think it needed more. Now it all just looked cruel.

I chased him for two years in college. Dated him for three. Our wedding was supposed to be tomorrow.

And I'd just found out he hooked up with Cassie—my best friend—three years ago. Their kid's already two.

The betrayal hit like a wrecking ball.

I swallowed the tears. I just needed to get out of that suffocating place.

My phone buzzed.

"Arya, Cassie's tied up with the kid and hasn't eaten. I haven't either. Bring us some food," Luke said like he was giving orders—then hung up before I could even breathe.

I forced a tight smile. It burned.

Cassie's pregnancy was rough. From the first trimester to Lucas turning two, I handled everything. As her best friend and his godmother, I thought I was doing the right thing.

Every time she dodged questions about the dad, I felt bad for her.

Never crossed my mind the guy who bailed on her... was my fiancé.

And the worst part? I used to think she was the clueless one. Joke's on me.

The signs were all there.

Whenever we went out, Cassie rocked skimpy outfits, always brushing up against Luke, flirting like it was no big deal.

It was all planned. Right in front of me.

I used to get jealous, even told Luke maybe they needed some space.

He'd just shrug it off. "Cassie's your bestie, and I'm your man. If you can't trust us, who can you trust?"

A few smooth lines and I'd drop it. Worse—I thought he had a point.

Looking back, I was so dumb.

I let out a dry, bitter laugh.

***

I opened a food app and picked the worst-rated spot I could find. Ordered whatever.

When it showed up, I dumped it on some plates, packed it up, and left.

Honestly, I just wanted to see how Luke—Mr. Can't-Lift-a-Finger—handled a kid.

At Cassie's door, I rang the bell. For a second, I just stood there, dazed.

She opened up in a skin-tight skirt, cheeks flushed.

My face iced over. I knew exactly what she'd been up to.

She didn't care. Gave me this sugary smile and tugged me inside.

When I stayed quiet, she jumped right in. "Arya, come sit. Luke's washing Lucas' face. You should've seen how happy the FATHER AND SON were playing just now!"

The way she said Luke's name—so casual, so close.

Crazy I never caught it before.

'Father and son.' They weren't even hiding it now.

I sat down, stiff and cold.

Luke came out holding Lucas.

I smiled at the kid without thinking.

But Lucas didn't run into my arms like usual.

He pointed right at me.

"Homewrecker."