Chapter 10
“As I was saying, thanks so much for picking this place, Izzy. It’s gorgeous,” Arianna lifted her glass in Izzy’s direction, a wann smile lighting up her face as she tucked a strand of her brinette hair behind her ear. “And booking it ahead of time? You’re the best
Izzy nodded, offering a faint smile. “Of course, I know how much you all love a good ambiance.”
Samantha chimed in, her blond hair catching the light as she took in the chandeliers and plush velvet seating. “I heard you have to wait at least six months just to get a table here,” she said glancing around with admiration. “Totally worth it, though”
Izzy gave them both a tight–lipped smile. Months ago, Monica had asked her to reserve the place, and she’d agreed without a second thought. However, Izzy only got the invite last week, right when they realized just how exclusive–and expensive- this reservation really was
“So, Arianna,” Monica interjected, her own glass in hand. “How’the baby!”
Arianna beamed, leaning into the conversation as if it were second nature. “Oh, he’s a handful! Barely gives me a moment to myself, but it’s amazing”
Izzy sat quietly, watching as laughter and stories flowed between them. She tried to join in a couple of times, but each attempt was met with polite indifference, leaving her on the outskirts of her own arrangement. She had once believed that always saying yes made her feel needed, but now it felt hollow like she was just there for show–a part of the decor but not really seen.
Arianna turned to Samantha with a grin. “So, what’s next? Any big trips planned?”
Actually, yes, Samantha responded eagerly. “I’m thinking of the Maldives. Desperately need a break from the city.”
Monica raised an eyebrow. “Maldives? That’s not exactly budget–friendly.”
Samantha shrugged, throwing a hopeful glance at Izzy. “Maybe Izzy could help out with some of those points, right, Iz?”
Izzy forced a smile, trying to ignore the familiarity of this request. She’d traveled the world enough to be an Elite member of many airlines and had the points they always needed. For years, being their go–to for anything travel–related made her feel like she mattered to them. Now, she saw it for what it was. “Right,” she replied quietly.
But before she could dwell on it, the conversation shifted again, and she was once again a silent observer. Tonight, though, felt different. The subtle realizations were lining up. She knew it was time to start setting boundaries.
Out of the corner of her eye, Izzy suddenly noticed movement near the restaurant’s entrance. She glanced over, her heart stopping
for a beat when she saw a familiar figure walk in. Liam And he wasn’t alone. Next to him was a tall blonde woman, elegant in a fitted black dress, her hand resting lightly on his arm as they talked.
She tensed, but before she could react, Arianna’s gaze followed her own, and she gasped. “Is that… Liam Horvath?”
Monica’s head whipped around, her eyes widening. Samantha leaned forward, squinting toward the entrance.
“Who’s that woman with him?” Arianna asked, her gaze fixed on the blonde, assessing
Samantha replied, “I’ve seen her before. Isn’t she a model or something? Rhianne Charms, you know the daughter of the singer? She’s a nepo baby, perhaps a family friend?”
Izzy’s ears perked up. She had actually forgotten one major detail about “Monica’s friends‘ and that was the fact that they had been eyeing the socialite of San Francisco since they were in college. And one person on their radar was the bachelor and heir of Horvath Industries- Liam Horvath.
“Izzy, is that Liam’s girlfriend or something?“Monica immediately asked. Monica had been aware that Liam and Izzy had
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spent time together since lazy had visited her grandfather in the past. However, she wasn’t aware that Izzy and Liam had been engage
“I wouldn’t know that” Izzy calmly said while swirling the champagne in her glass. Liam is a well–known businesman and her to his grandfather’s empire, women flock around him left and right. However, the man never actually confirmed any relationship with these women Izzy turned her head away just Liam looked at where their table was at
“He’s looking at us,” Samantha deared her throat as she straightened her back. “Do I look alright? How’s my
“It’s perfect but are you sure he’s looking at you?”
hair!”
“He is,” Samantha said, blushing. “I forgot to tell you this but I met him at a gallery auction last week. He was alone and we well- we talked” Samantha moved her shoulders and smiled proudly. “I even slipped his secretary my number, you know, just in case he needs a private tour of the gallery.”
Both Monica and Arianna’s mouth drop. “Sam, that is huge!” Monica said. “How did you even forget to tell us something like
this
“I didn’t want you to jinx it,” Samantha said without taking her eyes off Liam. She watched as Liam and the blond woman walked towards the second floor of the restaurant where the VIP clients were.
Izzy downed her champagne, doing her best to ignore their chatter. Samantha’s fascination with Liam was no secret. Years ago, she’d practically begged Izzy for an introduction when she found out they knew each other. Izzy had refused, unwilling to subject her friend to Liam’s smug charm. The memory sparked a fresh wave of irritation, prompting her to herself another glass as she stabbed at her food a bit too forcefully
pour
Jest then, a waiter appeared at their table, holding an elegant bottle of champagne. “This is from Mr. Liam Horvath,” he announced, setting the bottle down with a small bow. “Please enjoy the night.”
Izzy froze, her fingers tightening around her glass. Typical Liam. Always knowing how to get under her skin. Arianna and Monica’s eyes lit up as they leaned forward
“Oh my god.” Arianna whispered, reaching for the bottle as if it might vanish. “Liam sent us this?”
Samantha looked ready to swoon. “He must’ve seen us down here. See, I told you he noticed me.” She glanced at Izzy, her smile widening. “Isn’t this just so like him?”
Izzy rolled her eyes, reaching for her fork. “Generous, sure. But it’s probably just a friendly gesture. She stabbed at her food again, her annoyance simmering just below the surface.
Monica gave her a sidelong look, smirking. “You sound bothered, Izzy. Didn’t you and Liam used to be close? You should go
thank him.”
Izzy scoffed, shaking her head. “No need. I’m sure he’s well aware of how grateful” we all are.”
Arianna grinned, taking a glass and raising it. “Well, here’s to Liam, then. May he send us many more bottles of ridiculously overpriced champagne!”
Samantha eagerly clinked her glass against Arianna’s. “Cheers to that!”
Izzy hesitated, then reluctantly lifted her own glass. She wasn’t about to ruin their excitement, but the familiar irritation tugged at her again. Every sip tasted a little more bitter.
As the women laughed and toasted, she found herself glancing up at the second floor, catching a glimpse of Liam and his companion settling into their table. She didn’t know why it bothered her so much so she quickly turned her head away.
After what felt like forever, Izzy finally excused herself from the group.
Izzy made her way through the softly lit hallway to the private restroom at the back of the restaurant, trying to steady
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Chapter 10
herself. Inside, the space was immaculate and minimalistic. Just two cubicles and a large mirror running the length of the wall above a sleek marble countertop. She stared at her reflection, her green eyes meeting her own slightly glazed gaze. She’d definitely had too much to drink. She gritted her teeth, nuttering under her breath, cursing Liam and his infuriating
After a long, steadying breath, she straightened, adjusted her dress, and finally headed back out. But just as she stepped out. she froze. Liam was standing right outside, blocking her path. He didn’t give her a chance to speak, reaching forward to push her back inside. Before she could even react, the door clicked sh behind him, the lock sliding into place.
“What the hell Liam!?” Izzy hissed as she took a step back. “What the hell are you doing?”
