Chapter 2

Lucas frowned, his voice trembling slightly though he didn’t seem to notice. "No connection? What’s that supposed to mean? Are we strangers now?"

I met his gaze evenly. "Aren’t we? Our lives don’t cross anymore. How I dress, how I live—it’s none of your business."

"If you’ve got money to burn, maybe donate to people who actually need it."

Maybe feeling I’d embarrassed him in front of everyone, Lucas’s face hardened. "Evelyn, cut the act. You came here to get my attention, didn’t you?"

Olivia gently patted his arm. "Lucas, don’t be so harsh." She turned to me, contempt barely hidden behind a gentle tone. "Evelyn, don’t mind him. He’s just concerned about an old friend."

"How about this? I opened a private clinic on South Street. We need a receptionist—$7,000 a month, plus room and board."

"If you’re interested, it’s yours."

Someone nearby exclaimed, "South Street? That’s prime real estate! Olivia, you’re amazing."

"Evelyn, you hit the jackpot! Quick, thank her!"

I rolled my eyes, calmly eating my fruit. "No need. I’m happy with my job."

Seeing I wasn’t grateful, the bootlickers turned on me.

"Evelyn, poverty has messed with your head. Lucas and Olivia are trying to help you, and you’re acting all high and mighty."

"We’re all old classmates here. We know what you’re worth. Don’t let your pride ruin this chance."

After he finished, Olivia pretended to stop him. "Don’t say that… Maybe Evelyn really likes her life now."

As she spoke, her eyes welled up, as if she’d been wronged.

Seeing her tears, Lucas pulled her close. "Olivia, you’re too kind."

He turned to me, his voice cold. "Evelyn, I didn’t expect you to still be so selfish and fake."

"You’re beyond help. You deserve the life you’ve got."

I wondered why he’d say such things.

In both lives, I’d never done anything to hurt him. Why, after all this time, was he still so cruel?

I didn’t want to engage further. I stood to head to the private room upstairs, but a former classmate blocked my way.

He held a drink, leering as he approached.

"Evelyn, I always hated that stuck-up act of yours. Never thought I’d see the day."

"How about a drink? Five hundred bucks a glass, sound good?"

"Let me hold your hand, and I’ll throw in extra."

I looked closer—barely recognizing him as the guy who’d confessed to me at graduation.

Jack, I think his name was.

Back then, I was focused on landing a study-abroad spot, so I turned him down flat.

Guess he held a grudge.

Everyone laughed. No one stepped in.

I frowned.

I hadn’t meant to crash their party. If not for my prior commitment, I’d have left long ago.

Security was nowhere. As I was about to shove him away, Lucas—who’d been watching silently—suddenly hurled his glass at Jack.

"Stay away from her," he said, his voice icy.

Jack, now drenched, spun around ready to fight but froze when he saw it was Lucas. He just shot me a vicious glare.

The glass shattered on the floor. Olivia’s smug smile vanished as she stared at Lucas in disbelief. "Lucas, what are you doing?"

Lucas didn’t even glance at her, his eyes fixed on me. "My event, my rules. I don’t want trouble."

I stepped back, wiping alcohol off my pants. "The security here is terrible."

Olivia glared at me, her eyes blazing. "You’re complaining?"

"Do you even know where you are? This is Adrian’s place—the movie star. Without Lucas, someone like you wouldn’t get within a mile of here."

At the mention of Adrian, several women perked up.

"The Adrian who’s won all those awards and been on the city’s rich list for five years straight?"

"I heard he has a kid, but no one’s ever seen the wife."

Just then, the main door swung open.

A little girl walked in, surrounded by bodyguards.

She glanced around curiously. A butler in a suit followed closely. "Miss, please slow down. Watch your step."

The old classmates buzzed with excitement.

"Someone who can just walk in here, called ‘Miss’—must be the movie star’s daughter!"

"Oh my god, she looks just like Adrian!"

I was about to step forward when Jack blocked my path again.

He didn’t dare confront Lucas, so he took it out on me. "Evelyn, if it weren’t for Lucas, someone like you would never get to see a celebrity’s kid. How about you kneel and apologize? If I’m in a good mood, I might even marry you."

"A solid guy like me making five grand a month is a catch. You should be grateful!"

I ignored him, watching as the girl got swarmed.

They bombarded her with questions, some already pulling out phones to snap pictures.

Olivia’s earlier arrogance was gone, replaced by a fawning smile. "Sweetie, is your daddy Adrian?"

After getting a nod, Olivia’s smile widened. "What brings you here? Want some fruit? Let sister get it for you."

She reached to touch the girl’s cheek.

The little girl pushed Olivia’s hand away and walked straight to me.

Under everyone’s stares, she threw herself into my arms. "Mommy!"

Her bright eyes filled with tears. "Mommy, Lily missed you so much!"

"Why didn’t you answer Lily’s call yesterday?"

I held her close, soothing her. "Mommy was rehearsing on set and didn’t check her phone. I won’t do it again. Can you forgive me?"

Lily beamed and planted a loud kiss on my cheek. "Lily’s not mad. I was just worried."

I poked her cheek. "My Lily is the best."