Chapter 9

JADE

"Come on in," one of our classmates gestured to the room.

I turned to Mia. She had told me we were having dinner, not a class reunion. I couldn't believe she brought me here—to the same room Caius was in. I knew she meant well, but this felt too much like betrayal.

She knew I was married, yet she brought me here. How was I supposed to explain meeting up with an ex to Roman? What if he got angry?

I snapped myself back to reality and shook my head. Why was I so worried about what he would think? Why did I care?

We walked in hand in hand, but before we could sit side by side, Alex scooted over so he could be between us. He pulled Mia to sit beside him and pointed to the only empty seat.

"Aren't you going to sit?" he asked, blinking rapidly.

I sighed and lowered myself into the space between Alex and Caius. I guessed Alex had still not given up. He had always been trying to push us back together.

I hated the way I felt suffocated between both of them. It was always this way with others. They kept pushing me into a hole I didn't belong in without caring to think if I was okay with it.

I remembered after our messy breakup. Even though I understood why Caius had to leave, Alex and the rest of our classmates couldn't. They said we were a match made in heaven. I remembered Alex trying his best to get his best friend and me back together.

"Hey there," Caius whispered to me. I gave him a curt nod with a tight-lipped smile.

He chuckled nervously and rubbed his hands together. They all knew how awkward things could get when they put us in the same room, and yet they still decided to play this game.

"It's such a good thing that everyone can be gathered here again," Alex said. I could see the mischievous glint in his eyes. He was ready to cause chaos.

"Why don't we all have a drink?" he asked, grabbing the bottle of wine in front of him and shaking it.

Everyone at the table nodded, filling their glasses. "Why don't we have a toast?" Mia added.

I shot her a warning glance, and she avoided my eyes immediately.

"I think that's a great idea," Alex said.

Mia knew the truth, and it still felt like she was trying to push Caius and me together. I was a married woman. Rekindling an old flame was completely out of the question.

"Let's toast to old times," Alex declared, and before I could react, everyone around the table was already clinking glasses.

"It's been years since we got together."

"It's a good thing we can meet now," Mary said in a weak voice.

She was my nemesis—or at least that was what she called herself. In public, she acted as if she supported us, like she wanted Caius and me to be together. But in private, she always antagonized me.

At least now I wouldn't have to fight her again. She could have him if she wanted; I had nothing to do with him anymore.

"Right." Alex nodded eagerly. He grabbed my hand and pushed me toward Caius. "Maybe we could even have the couple of the group back together."

"I..."

"Alex, stop it," Caius said, catching me before I could fall into him. At least he had enough sense to understand why we couldn't be together.

"Why should I? She deserves to know how long you've been waiting for her. How could you not move on after all these years?" He turned to me. Alex thought he was helping, but he was just being reckless.

I gulped and licked my dry lips. My lips parted, but I couldn't find the right words. I wished Caius would shut this down instead.

"It's all in the past," he murmured. His head was down, like a puppy that had been kicked. He was playing the role of the dumped ex a little too well.

I guessed I was too quick to give him a good score. He was acting so they thought he was the pitiful one. In reality, he was the one who broke my heart into a thousand pieces.

I held myself back from grabbing him and demanding he clear the air. Why was he acting like I was the reason we broke up?

I had my share of feelings for him, and even if I still did, it was impossible. I might not be in love with Roman, but I couldn't cheat on him either way.

"In the past? You were still talking about her fondly last week." Alex turned to me. "You two can—"

I stood up so fast he stopped speaking. I was gripping my bag so tightly my knuckles turned white.

"I am sorry." My voice came out in a shaky whisper. "I can't." I closed my eyes and shook my head.

My mind was spinning. I couldn't shake the thought of what Roman might do if he found out. I still didn't understand why I cared so much about what he thought.

"I am already married," I said, rushing out of the room. It already felt like betrayal. I didn't want to risk even another minute here with him.

I didn't stop until I reached the restroom. I knew it was wrong to just disappear, but I couldn't stay and let them get the wrong idea.

When I stepped out, Mary was waiting for me. She had a scowl on her face, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

"Can I help you?" I asked when she blocked my path for the third time.

"You are such a cruel bitch," she said.

I gasped and leaned back, caught off guard by her sudden outburst. I crossed my arms, mirroring her stance.

"What does that mean?"

"You toyed with Caius' feelings, and even now you won't let him go. You think because he likes you, you can act however you want?"

I wanted to respond. I really did—but it felt like a waste of time. I pushed past her and headed for the door. She didn't even know half the truth. I wondered how she was going to react if she did.

If she knew the man she thought was perfect was just like every Tom, Dick and Harry out there, she would have been devastated. That he couldn't fight for the love he claimed to have. He was not even willing to try it at all.

She followed, her voice mocking. "I must have struck a nerve, didn't I? You know I'm right—that's why you can't defend yourself."

"I don't have to defend myself to you," I snapped. My sudden boldness took her aback. I was tired of being a weakling to her.

"I have nothing to do with Caius now. Whatever we had is in the past. I am married."

"You keep talking about a husband, but I don't see a ring. Could it be that your husband doesn't even like you enough to give you one?"

I swallowed and glanced at my empty finger. How would Roman react if he knew I was out without it? Why did you even care, Jade? I pushed the thought away.

"I must have been right. Oh, such a pity—poor Jade," she pouted.

"Whether I have a ring or not is none of your business," I snapped.

"No need to be rude. I was just worried about you. I don't want you to end up with a man who doesn't love you."

"And who says I don't love her?"

I froze at the sound of his voice—and the feel of his hand sliding around my waist. His grip was firm and possessive, pulling me closer.

My mind went blank.

What the hell was he doing here?