Chapter Eight

The ceremony unfolded like a dream. Gen’s father proudly escorted Jada down the aisle, his eyes glistening with tears that never quite fell. Jada herself was a vision of emotion, tears streaming freely as she recited her vows to Louis. When the music swelled and Louis swept her into a dance, their radiant smiles seemed to erase all the anxiety she had felt since the previous night—ever since she’d discovered she had slept with a mob boss. Despite the joy around her, a flicker of hope still sparked in her chest every time she glanced at the crowd, irrationally searching for his dark hair and hazel-brown eyes among the guests. Weddings always brought out that bitter irony in her—the overwhelming scent of love so thick it could infect even the most hardened cynics.

Gen took a slow sip of her tonic, a small smile tugging at her lips as her sister waved enthusiastically from across the room. The reception was winding down; guests were gradually filtering out after offering their final congratulations to the newlyweds. Her gaze drifted as a familiar figure approached, and she quickly looked away.

It shouldn’t have been a surprise to see Brian here. After all, it was Louis who had introduced them during one of Jada’s trips to Boston. Gen and Brian had been together for almost two years before he abruptly moved to New York six months ago to pursue his career. Around the same time, Gen and her friend Charlotte had just launched their own accounting firm, which kept her grounded and unable to follow him. But that hadn’t stopped Brian. Now, he was holding the hand of a heavily pregnant woman. Gen couldn’t help but wonder what had drawn him to someone expecting a child when he had always insisted he had no interest in becoming a father.

As Brian stopped to chat with Louis and Jada, the pregnant woman excused herself and began to wobble toward Gen’s table. Two other women flanked her, steadying her as she took the last few unsteady steps. Gen pulled out her phone and pretended to be deeply absorbed in an email.

“There you go, Sugar Plum,” one of the women said with a warm smile as they helped her settle into the chair.

“Ugh, thanks, guys. Bri will be ready to leave soon. I have to get off these feet,” the woman with Brian murmured, rubbing her lower back.

“Any day now, right?” the other woman chimed in.

“Yes, this little guy just needs to hurry up and arrive. I knew he’d be late. Both Brian and I have always been late with everything,” she replied with a tired laugh.

Gen’s fingers tightened around her phone, her stomach twisting uncomfortably.

“I’m so glad Brian finally decided to step up and move down here for you. You made the right call keeping the baby, Babe,” the first woman said encouragingly.

“I know. We were together for over a year before I got pregnant, and he refused to use protection. What did he expect?” the pregnant woman replied bitterly.

A wave of nausea rose in Gen’s throat. She abruptly pushed herself up from the chair, drawing the attention of the three women. Ignoring their surprised looks, she moved swiftly toward her sister just as Brian turned away—only to head straight toward her. The panic that flashed across his face when he spotted her storming away from the table was almost laughable, if it weren’t so painfully familiar. She was the woman he’d clearly betrayed.

Gen tried to step past him, but his hand shot out and grabbed her upper arm. She yanked at it, but his grip only tightened, pinching her skin with a cruel firmness.

“Genevieve, it’s so good to see you. You look… stunning,” Brian said in that low, coaxing voice she had always found hard to resist.

“I wish I could say the same. Fatherhood seems to be treating you well already,” she snapped, her words sharp as a whip. His striking blue eyes widened, flicking nervously between her and the table where the pregnant woman sat.

“Look, Gen, I can explain…” he began.

“Don’t,” she cut him off, her voice hoarse as she struggled to free herself.

His grip tightened painfully, making her gasp. He had always been rough with her, and though she hated it, she was almost relieved when he finally released her before things escalated further.

“You’re not going to tell her,” he warned, his tone dark and threatening. From past experience, she knew that if she dared to disagree, he wouldn’t hesitate to bend her to his will—whether with his words or his hands.

“Brian, what the fuck?” Louis’s voice broke through the tension.

Brian’s hand dropped as if it had been burned. Jada immediately reached out, grabbing Gen’s hand and pulling her protectively between herself and the men.

“What? We were just talking,” Brian said defensively.

The women at the table had clearly noticed the confrontation.

“I think you lost the right to talk to her about a year and a half ago, man. You made your choice,” Louis said pointedly, glancing at his heavily pregnant girlfriend.

“What’s your problem?” Brian shot back. “She’s my ex. I can talk to her however I want.”

“You’re one of my oldest friends, Bri, but she’s my sister now. If you hurt her again, I’ll have to pick sides,” Louis warned firmly.

“And he’ll choose the one he’s legally bound to,” Jada added quietly but firmly.

Brian scoffed, his blue eyes darkening as he turned back to Gen. “We’re over. It doesn’t matter why. Stay away from my fiancée,” he warned.

The word “fiancée” twisted painfully in Gen’s chest. He had always claimed he never wanted to get married. Gen was a practical woman, and she had thought herself lucky when he left Boston. But no amount of reason could dull the sting she felt now. As Brian walked away, she found herself wishing Matteo were here to take her home. She imagined his rough, bruised knuckles landing blow after blow on Brian’s face in defense of her honor. God, she must have had too much to drink tonight.

“You okay?” Jada asked softly.

“I’m sorry, Gen. I didn’t realize he’d bring her tonight,” Louis apologized.

Gen waved her hand dismissively, a new, dangerous thought forming in her mind. “Don’t worry about it. It’s done and over. She can have him. I’m moving on… and heading out. You two enjoy your honeymoon, okay? Call me when you get a chance,” she said, pressing a kiss to each of their cheeks. Jada hugged her tightly, and Gen gently rubbed her back.

“He’s dangerous, Genevieve,” Jada whispered, where Louis couldn’t hear.

“I don’t know what you mean…” Gen started.

“I’ve known you since I was twelve. I recognize that look. Just go back to the hotel, okay? Promise me,” Jada pleaded.

Gen sighed deeply. “I promise.”

Jada wiped away a tear as she pulled back. “I can’t believe I’m married!”

Gen smiled softly at her sister and her new husband. “I can. You two were made for each other.” Louis glanced down at Gen with a warm smile. “Bye.”

They each hugged her once more before Gen stepped outside. The cool night air greeted her as she hailed a cab and gave the driver the address. Her fingers nervously toyed with the strap of her purse as the city’s towering skyscrapers gradually gave way to the familiar row of townhomes. The taxi pulled up behind a sleek black Range Rover parked neatly at the curb.

“We’re here, ma’am,” the driver announced.

Gen handed over the last of her cash and stepped out into the chilly breeze, which tugged at the hem of her knee-length dress. She shivered, clutching the borrowed hoodie tighter around her chest. Her eyes locked on the dark wooden door before her, and for a moment she hesitated, contemplating calling another cab. She paced back and forth on the small patch of sidewalk, drawing deep breaths until she finally summoned the courage to climb the stairs and ring the bell.

The door swung open almost immediately, as if he had been waiting for her since that morning. He held the door wide with one hand and greeted her with that devastating smile she could never forget. His eyes traveled slowly down her dress, igniting with a fierce, familiar desire.

“I was wondering how long it would take you to get your ass up those steps,” Matteo said, his voice low and teasing.