Vani (Universe of In Love! Again)

On Claire Carlson and Finley Lloyd's third wedding anniversary, he threw a party with all their friends.

When she showed up, though, she walked straight into a nightmare: Finley on one knee, proposing to his childhood crush.

The private room buzzed with chants: "Say yes, say yes!"

"Kiss her, Finley! Don't pretend we didn't call it. Everyone knows you're still into Renee, even though you're married!" someone hollered.

"Come on, man," another laughed. "If Claire sees this, she's gonna flip."

Renee Slutsky tilted her head down, all fake shy, her voice sweet. "Especially since Claire's pregnant. Stress isn't good for her."

The crowd egged him on harder. "You can't bail now, dude! You lost the dare! Kiss her!"

Finley froze, eyes locked on Renee like he couldn't hear anything else. Slowly, he leaned in.

"WHAT are you doing?" Claire's voice sliced through the noise.

Everyone froze. Every head turned toward the door, where Claire stood.

Someone scrambled to explain. "It's not what it looks like, Claire! Just a stupid game!"

"A game?" Her eyes were like ice. "Finley was about to kiss her, and it's just a game?"

Finley's friends scattered like roaches.

"Uh, I gotta run. See ya!"

"Same, man. Oh, uh... happy anniversary."

As his friends bailed, Finley scowled. "Seriously, Claire? It was just a stupid game of truth or dare. I lost. Why are you making such a big deal out of this?"

Claire rested a hand on her belly, her disappointment hitting like a punch. She was three months pregnant and had been so excited for tonight—she thought he'd planned something special to celebrate. Instead, this disaster was his big surprise.

"Don't be mad, Claire," Renee piped up. "You must've misunderstood."

She stepped closer, holding out a cup of tea. "Really, it was just a game. Don't listen to what they said about Finley still liking me. That's just them messing around. I'm sorry they upset you."

In case Claire had somehow missed the jab, Renee 'helpfully' repeated it all, like a considerate little reminder.

When Renee moved in even closer, Claire instinctively shielded her belly.

Then Renee let out this dramatic shriek. "Ah! It hurts!"

Claire blinked, confused, as Renee hit the floor, hot tea spilling onto her hand and leaving a red mark.

Finley panicked, rushing to her side like a freaking knight in shining armor. He scooped her up. "Renee! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Don't blame Claire... she didn't mean it."

Claire almost laughed. What a joke. She hadn't even touched her.

But Finley wasn't done. "Claire, do you even know what you're doing? If you're mad at me, fine, but don't take it out on Renee! Think about our child—don't you care about the consequences?"

He said it. He really said it. To defend Renee, he cursed their baby.

Without waiting for an answer, Finley carried Renee out of the room.

Claire followed him downstairs, grabbing his arm. "What are you doing? It's our anniversary, and you're leaving with her? What does that say about us?"

"Let go, Claire! If anything happens to Renee, I'll never forgive you!"

"Anything happens? It's a burn! She fell on her own—I didn't even touch her!" Claire's voice shook with fury.

She hadn't done a thing, yet Finley instantly believed Renee, no questions asked. Same as three years ago. Nothing had changed. His heart had always belonged to Renee.

"Still making excuses? Move!"

With that, Finley shoved her.

Claire lost her footing, stumbling backward. Her balance tipped, and she tumbled down the stairs.