Ethan didn't even make it two steps into the café before he spotted her.
Lena Pierce always looked like she was about to win something. Even now, with her arms crossed and a single eyebrow raised, she carried herself like a general at a war table. Her silver-framed glasses reflected sunlight, her tie was perfectly straight, and her iced coffee sat untouched beside a folder labeled Ethan Cole – Personal.
He sighed. This was going to be surgical.
She didn't say hello. "Sit."
Ethan sat.
She pushed the folder forward. "You're engaged."
"No—well—technically, yes."
"I want the real answer. Not the ones circulating on school gossip forums."
Ethan gave her a look. "You're reading school gossip forums?"
"I moderate two of them."
"...Of course you do."
Lena leaned in slightly. "Let me be clear. You were the most predictable person in our year. The guy who programmed his own calendar reminders to account for daylight saving time. And now you're suddenly the main character of a scandalous, high-profile engagement to Isabella Wynn."
Ethan opened his mouth.
She cut him off. "And don't say it was a dare. I know it was a dare. What I want to know is—why didn't you shut it down?"
"I tried to shut it down."
"She met your parents."
"They love her."
"She scheduled your startup's funding."
"I didn't ask her to."
"Then why is she doing it?"
Ethan hesitated.
Lena leaned back. "That's what I thought. You don't know."
He rubbed his face. "It's like she already had the whole thing mapped out. I blinked, and suddenly she's in my life like she's always been there."
Lena tapped her fingers against her glass. "Isabella Wynn doesn't do things impulsively. If she's clinging to you, it's for a reason."
Ethan looked around. "You think she's using me?"
"She doesn't need to. You're already doing what she wants. The question is whether you'll keep doing it when she starts tightening the leash."
"...Thanks. That's very comforting."
"You're welcome."
A moment passed.
Then, Lena lowered her voice. "Listen. I don't like her."
Ethan blinked. "Really? I hadn't noticed."
"I don't like her around you," she clarified, avoiding his eyes. "You were annoying, but you were honest. If she ruins that—"
"I'm still me," Ethan said.
She finally looked at him. "Then prove it. When she shows up again—don't just let her walk all over you."
Before he could answer, the café door chimed.
Isabella Wynn stepped inside.
Every table turned. The room temperature dropped two degrees.
She was dressed in black and white, effortlessly elegant. Her eyes found Ethan instantly.
Lena stood up slowly. "Showtime."