Chapter 8 Three years later, on the flight home. Company was expanding into Asia, I'd landed the regional director position. "Sophie?" I'd just asked for a blanket, about to nap, when the guy behind me spoke up. College classmate. "Thought that voice sounded familiar. Can't believe it's really you." I nodded politely: "Hey there. Long time." "We've all been waiting for you to come back! Don't forget to send us invitations!" Invitations? Seeing my confusion, he explained: 'Jake told everyone at last year's reunion-said you'd get married once you returned." Hearing his name after all this time threw me. 'He's been waiting three whole years. We all saw it…" 'Sorry," I snapped back to reality. "I'm exhausted. Need to sleep." Closed my eyes. Sleep was impossible now. 'd deleted every trace of Jake years ago. Cut off all news about him. So why was he supposedly waiting for me? Getting off the plane, my classmate caught up: Reunion's next week. You have to come now that you're back." Sure." leunion night, I was running late-flight delay at the airport pickup. Got there around eight. Jnder the dim streetlights, a dark figure leaned against the wall. ake. Of course. Cigarette butts everywhere, air thick with smoke. He looked up, stared at me like I was a ghost. When I covered my nose to walk past, he reached out. I dodged, glared at him. His face twisted into an ugly smile, voice sandpaper-rough: "They were right. You actually came back." When I didn't respond, he coughed: "How've you been? You look thinner." "Jake, we're not exactly old friends catching up, are we?" Too much bad history. Whenever those painful memories surfaced, they killed any happiness I felt in that moment. Healing has limits. This wasn't about love anymore. Moving on doesn't mean forgiveness. Jake's breath caught, eyes going red. I pushed past him inside. Few minutes later, he slunk in, head down. Everyone made small talk, attention turning to me. 'Sophie's back as regional director? Three years and you're already crushing it." 'She just did a conference with Ethan Cross-total finance legend!" ake hunched lower. Under the bright lights, I saw how he'd changed. Worn down, exhausted. None of that old confidence. 'You two are like the only ones not married yet. Time to settle down now that you're back?" Everyone looked at me expectantly. ake's hand shook around his drink. smiled, held up my left hand. Massive diamond ring. 'I'm married." Eyes bounced between Jake and me, then quickly moved on. ake looked gutted. Couldn't even fake composure anymore. Don't know who that performance was for. Party ended at ten. Everyone wanted to hit up another spot. I waved them off: "Husband just got back too. Rain check." We stood outside waiting for rides. Jake lurked at the edge, face hidden. He stepped closer, like he'd worked up serious courage: "Let me drive you." Black Maybach pulled up.