“Shame,” I say, folding my arms. “That might’ve made this conversation more interesting.”
Ben chuckles softly, recovering far too quickly. “I was… surprised to see you,” he continues, his eyes never leaving mine. “Didn’t handle it the way I should’ve. It’s been a long time, and I’d like to…” He pauses, a faint smile curving his lips, too polished to be innocent.
“Start again.”
The words hit harder than they should, echoing in my head, swirling around like smoke I can’t quite clear.
Start again.
Does he mean now? Or fifteen years ago, when he walkedaway without so much as a goodbye? My stomach tightens. It’s too much, all at once, and for a split second, I can’t speak.
But then I remember who he is now. Ben Ashcroft, the man trying to take away everything I’ve built.
He rests his hand on the counter, the tendons flexing beneath his tanned skin, forearm corded with muscle. He leans in slightly, close enough that I catch the faint scent of his cologne—dark, expensive, with just a hint of something warm and masculine.
The air feels heavier, warmer. His fitted shirt stretches across broad shoulders, emphasizing just how much he’s changed since the scrappy, reckless boy I once knew.
“It’s good to see you again, Lila,” his voice is soft, low, and deliberate, sending a ripple of something unsettling down my spine. My breath stutters, heat coiling low in my stomach. No. Not this time.
“Oh, so you do remember me. How unexpected.”
“Some things are hard to forget.”
“Funny,” I say, my voice sharp, “you didn’t seem to remember me at all before.” I fold my arms, tilting my head.
The smirk fades from his face, replaced by something quieter, almost hesitant. His eyes soften, that familiar confidence dimming just a little. “I deserved that,” he admits, his voice lower, almost regretful.
His gaze lingers on me for a beat too long, his brow furrowing slightly. “It was the name that threw me. Ng, not Lau.” He tilts his head.
My breath catches.
“I got married,” I say, the words slipping out before I can stop them.
What the actual fuck, Lila?!
Ben’s body tenses, his jaw tightening so fast it looks painful. His eyes flick to my left hand. Bare. Glaringly bare, then back to my face. The softness is gone, replaced by something darker.
His nostrils flare, his jaw clenching. “I figured.” His voice is dangerously low, his smile gone.
Shit. I should backtrack, but it’s too late now and my pride kicks in full force. “Happily married,” I say, too bright, too steady. His lips press into a thin line, his eyes glinting with something sharp, something raw. His knuckles whiten as his hand curls into a fist on the counter. He forces a slow, deliberate breath through his nose, but it doesn’t quite mask the storm in his eyes.
“He’s a very lucky man,” Ben says, his voice low and clipped. Controlled. But I don’t miss the edge beneath it, the bite hiding behind the words.
I cross my arms, willing my heart to slow down. “Yep,” I say again, popping the ‘p’ like I’ve got everything under control.
His eyes drop to my left hand. “Where’s your ring?”
The question slices through the air. Casual tone, but his eyes are sharp. Waiting.
My brain scrambles. “I… I don’t wear it when I’m working,” I blurt. “It’s impractical.”
Ben lets out a soft chuckle, but there’s nothing warm about it. “Right. Wouldn’t want to risk damaging something so… precious.”
The silence between us crackles like static. His eyes don’t move from mine. I grip the counter tighter, trying to ignore the flush creeping up my neck.
Keep it together, Lila. Don’t crack now.
“Well,” I say, straightening, trying for nonchalance. “Can I take your order?”
