Chapter 2

I didn't deny it—after all, I was married. At my silent confirmation, Caleb's eyes went wide. He stared at me in disbelief, his intense gaze practically burning holes through me. Brianna paused, then sneered passive-aggressively, "Aubrey, that ring looks totally fake. You didn't get scammed, did you?"

"Besides, when did you even get married? Why didn't we hear anything about it?"

At her words, Caleb visibly relaxed, then smirked. "Aubrey, I knew it! Who else would ever want you besides me?"

"Alright, I get it. You're just doing this to get my attention, to make me marry you, right?"

"I promise, after I help Brianna this time, we'll get married. Deal?"

I recognized this olive branch for what it was—Caleb's typical arrogant attempt at reconciliation, like he was doing me a favor. He'd always been this way: whenever I got upset, he'd dangle false hope and empty promises to pacify me.

For six years, I'd dreamed of marrying Caleb. Every birthday wish was for him to be my husband. And he knew it—so he used marriage as leverage, manipulating me into giving in, compromising, forgiving. Whenever he offered one of these "olive branches," no matter how angry I was, I'd take it. I didn't want to rock the boat.

But now? We were broken up. Why should I care about his feelings anymore?

I pretended not to hear him, not even bothering to glance his way. When I didn't jump to respond like I used to—when I just looked completely indifferent, refusing to give him the satisfaction—Caleb's frown turned to a scowl. He grabbed my arm, his voice sharp. "Aubrey, why are you ignoring me? I just agreed to marry you—what more do you want?"

I kept my voice icy. "Do whatever you want, but don't stop me from getting back to my husband and child. Move." With that, I wrenched my arm free and walked away.

Caleb panicked. "Aubrey, what are you talking about? Explain!" He started to chase me, but Brianna immediately clutched her head and crouched down, feigning pain as she grabbed his shirt. "Caleb, my head hurts so bad..."

Caleb stopped short, rushing to Brianna's side with a concerned look. "Brianna, what's wrong? Did you have too much to drink earlier?"

"Aubrey, Brianna's really drunk—I'm taking her to a nearby hotel to rest..." As he spoke, Caleb shot me a guilty glance, like he was looking for my permission.

I almost laughed. Was he actually explaining himself to me? Before he could finish, I cut him off sharply. "Go then. You don't need my approval. Remember? We broke up years ago."

Caleb froze, clearly thrown by my reaction. Back in the day, finding out he'd be alone with Brianna in a room would've sent me into a jealous rage, begging him not to go. But that was when I loved him, when I cared. Now that I was over him? Who he hooked up with didn't matter one bit.

At my words, Caleb's voice picked up, his breathing growing uneven. "Aubrey... Brianna and me, alone in a hotel... you're not even worried?"

I knew exactly what he wanted—for me to stop him, to beg like I used to, to lose all my pride. I'd done that before, only to be called controlling and petty, accused of having a "dirty mind." Now that I was giving him exactly what he'd always claimed to want, why was he upset?

I met Caleb's eyes with a cold smile. "You're my ex. Why would I care?"

Caleb's face turned pale. He opened his mouth to speak, but Brianna cut in, whining loudly about her headache. Caleb finally turned back to her, helping her stand while shooting me a bitter look. "You said it, Aubrey. Don't come crying to me later."

"Come on, Brianna, I'm taking you to the hotel!" With that, Caleb stormed off, still fuming as he helped Brianna away. I knew his game—he was trying to get a rise out of me, just like old times. He'd act cozy with Brianna, hoping I'd get jealous and come crawling back. But this time, I turned and walked away without a second glance, heading straight to the hotel to meet my husband and daughter.

I'd only gone to the reunion as an afterthought—the real reason for the trip was a family vacation with my husband and daughter. Honestly, I should thank Caleb. If he hadn't pushed me away six years ago, I never would've met my husband Liam, or had our sweet daughter Lily.

Liam and I met on the streets of Paris. I was hurt and heartbroken, wandering aimlessly when I accidentally bumped into him. I apologized immediately. When he heard my story, he didn't just brush it off—he bought me a warm cup of milk tea and told me life was still worth living. We exchanged numbers, and he became my sounding board. Unlike Caleb, Liam always greeted me with a smile, gentle and thoughtful. With his support, I slowly pulled myself out of that dark place. Before long, we were dating, then engaged, then Lily came along. All these years, he and Lily have been my reason to keep going.

Just thinking about seeing them soon put a spring in my step. But of course, fate had other plans—I ran into Caleb and Brianna the second I walked into the hotel. They were staying there too.

Caleb froze when he saw me. "What are you doing here?"

Brianna immediately started stirring the pot. "Caleb, Aubrey must've realized she messed up! She followed you here to apologize!"

Caleb's eyes lit up. A small smile tugged at his lips, but his tone stayed arrogant. "Aubrey, weren't you so tough earlier? What, changed your mind already? Followed us all the way here?"

"But since you're clearly sorry, I might just forgive you—if you apologize first."

Caleb's narcissism was honestly revolting. I scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself. I'm just staying here."

Caleb snorted, clearly not buying it. "This is a couples' resort. You're staying here alone? Who are you trying to kid?"

I was about to answer when the door behind me opened. Liam stepped out, giving me a warm smile. "Hey honey, you're back."