Chapter 1

Five years after James Gilbert and I ended things, we crossed paths again at a mutual friend's wedding.

Our eyes locked for a heartbeat before sliding away—a tacit agreement to pretend we were strangers.

After the reception, a tipsy old friend pulled me aside, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"You know, after you two split, every girl he dated was a carbon copy of you. Everyone in our circle knew they were just replacements." She swayed slightly, gesturing with her wine glass. "But this Miss Walker... she's the only one who doesn't look a thing like you. And she's stuck around the longest."

She leaned in closer. "I think he's actually fallen for this one."

I offered a polite, practiced smile and said nothing.

Maybe the Layla Henson of five years ago would have gone mad trying to wring an answer out of him. But this was five years later. Time didn't wait for anyone.

Besides, I already had someone I was going to marry.

1.

As I walked out of the hotel banquet hall, a group of friends started heckling, insisting we move the party to a second venue. The chant went up: *No one goes home until they're wasted.*

Before I could voice my refusal, someone shoved James Gilbert right next to me.

"Old Gilbert! Layla came all the way back from Yunnan!" A friend slapped James on the back. "You two started from scratch together back in the day. You haven't seen each other in years—you need to catch up properly tonight!"

Maya Mason, standing closest to me, winked. Her expression was teeming with insinuation.

James didn't respond. He simply reached out and took the suitcase from my hand, his movement natural, automatic.

I glanced at my wristwatch. It wasn't time yet. I nodded and slid into the car.

I took the front passenger seat. James and Scarlett Walker sat in the back.

The engine had barely turned over when a voice, sugary and cloying, drifted from the rear.

"James, you still haven't introduced me to this older sister." Scarlett's fingers traced lazy circles on his sleeve. "At first, I thought you two were strangers. I almost made a fool of myself."

She was speaking to James, but through the rearview mirror, her gaze bored into mine. Naked provocation. Sharp with hostility.

His eyes flicked to the mirror, lingering on my reflection for a second.

I didn't wait for him. "Hello. I'm Layla Henson. Mr. Gilbert and I are old friends."

Scarlett covered her mouth, letting out a tinkling laugh. "What 'old friends'? The whole city knows you're James's ex-girlfriend."

She paused, her smile not reaching her eyes. "Don't worry, I'm not petty. I don't get jealous over stale history."

As she spoke, she hooked her arm through his, leaning in to plant a loud, wet kiss on his cheek.

A territorial mark. A declaration of sovereignty.

Scarlett chattered nonstop the entire drive. James, usually a man of few words, answered her with surprising patience.

"Are we drinking later? You know my tolerance is terrible. If I get tipsy, baby, you have to take me home."

"I've got you." His voice was low. "I won't let you get drunk."

"Today's wedding was so moving." She sighed, snuggling closer. "I really envy the bride. Marrying for love... it's beautiful. When we get married, I want a sea of flowers. Champagne roses everywhere."

"Okay. The wedding will be exactly how you want it."

I rolled the window down as far as it would go, letting the cold night wind scour away the stifling atmosphere inside the car.

When we finally reached the club, I pushed the door open. I turned just in time to see James effortlessly scoop Scarlett up into his arms.

As he lifted her, his eyes met mine.

For a split second, his movements stiffened.

Scarlett nestled into his chest, offering a shy, apologetic smile to the group. "I'm not used to heels. James is terrified I'll twist my ankle, so he carries me every time I get out of the car."

I nodded, keeping my smile polite. "Mr. Gilbert is very considerate."

Inside the private room, Maya immediately shoved a glass of wine into my hand. "You're late! The penalty is three glasses, straight down!"

I took the glass, but before I could lift it, James had already grabbed the other two and drained them in one breath.

"Scarlett can't handle her liquor." He set the empty glasses down with a heavy *thud*. "I'll drink her share."