The pre-wedding party buzzed with laughter and music, string lights twinkling over the rooftop venue, the city skyline glowing in the background. Lara adjusted her navy blue dress, her curly brown hair pinned up, her hazel eyes scanning the crowd. Ethan stood beside her, looking sharp in a black blazer, his green eyes warm as he slipped his arm around her waist, playing the perfect boyfriend. "Ready to impress your family?" he whispered, his breath tickling her ear, making her shiver.
She nodded, forcing a smile, but her nerves were a mess. Her parents were watching, their loan decision hanging over her head, and Jake was here, his smug grin already making her stomach twist. Ethan squeezed her hand, his touch grounding her, and they mingled with the guests, laughing and posing for photos, their fake relationship convincing everyone—except Maya, who kept shooting them skeptical looks.
Jake cornered Lara by the dessert table, his blonde hair slicked back, his blue suit pristine. "So, you and this Ethan guy," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Seems convenient, right after we broke up. Trying to make me jealous, Lara?"
Her cheeks burned, anger flaring. "I'm over you, Jake. Ethan's better than you ever were." The words felt true, sharper than she'd expected, and Jake's smirk faded, his eyes narrowing.
Ethan appeared at her side, his jaw tight, his green eyes flashing with something fierce—jealousy, Lara realized, her heart skipping. "Everything okay here?" he asked, his voice low, protective, his arm pulling her closer.
Jake laughed, cold and sharp. "Just catching up with my ex. You're the rebound, right? Hope you're not in over your head."
Ethan stepped forward, his smile dangerous. "I'm exactly where I want to be. Back off, man." The tension crackled, and Lara's heart raced, torn between the drama and the warmth of Ethan's defense. Jake walked away, but the damage was done—Ethan's mood shifted, his easy charm replaced with something darker.
Later, as they grabbed drinks, Lara noticed Ethan's phone light up with a text: Payment overdue—final notice. Her stomach dropped—she'd seen enough to know he was hiding something big. "Ethan, what's going on?" she asked, her voice soft but firm, her hazel eyes searching his.
He shoved the phone in his pocket, his face closing off. "It's nothing, Lara. Just… work stuff." But his tone was sharp, defensive, and she pressed, her trust shaken. "If we're doing this, I need to know the truth. Are you in trouble?"
Ethan's green eyes flashed with frustration. "I have debts, okay? I didn't want to drag you into it. I thought I could handle it." He ran a hand through his hair, his voice breaking. "I can't mess this up—not for you, not for me."
Lara's heart sank, fear creeping in—could she trust him with her heart, her bakery, her family? "You should've told me," she whispered, her voice trembling. Ethan turned away, his shoulders tense, and stormed off into the crowd, leaving her standing alone, the party's laughter mocking her sudden loneliness.
To be continued…