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18

CELIA

When Harrison betrayed me, I didn’t hesitate to call Megan. But this time, I wasn’t sure I could get the words out. So I sent a text instead.

Me

Brie is Ellie, Julian’s daughter.

Seeing the two nicknames so close to each other, I finally realized her real name must be Brielle. And she must’ve taken her mother’s maiden name at some point because I knew her as Brie St. Clare, not Hayes.

The only photos Julian had of her were from years ago, and she looked so different now. His ex had given him a hard time about getting a copy of the photo of him and Ellie from the wedding even though he paid for the whole thing.

There had been no way for me to figure it out until it was much too late to protect my heart.

The phone rang before I had set it down.

“What do you mean Brie is Ellie?” Megan asked.

“I walked into the restaurant, and she was at the table. With Harrison.”

Megan was quiet for a moment. Then I heard a drawer open and the jangle of keys. “Holy shit. I’m coming over.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I’m already getting in the car.” A door shut on her end. “There’s no way I’m leaving you alone with this…this…trainwreck.”

The word she finally landed on was unfortunately an accurate description of what happened tonight.

I sniffled. “Thanks.”

“Did anyone know before you got there?”

“No.” I sat on the edge of the couch. “Julian looked as wrecked as I felt. Harry was angry. And Ellie lost her mind, accusing me of seeking her father out on purpose to get revenge on her because I’m bitter.”

“Bitter, hah,” she echoed. “You have every reason to be, but that’s just not you.”

“I kinda wish it was,” I murmured, slouching against the arm of the couch. “Maybe then I wouldn’t feel like my heart was broken. Again.”

“She’s lucky you didn’t target her father on purpose because that’s the kind of comeuppance she deserves. Totally understandable to become an evil stepmother in this situation.”

I squeezed my eyes shut. “Considering Julian said he needed to figure out if we could move forward without destroying his family, I don’t see us ever getting married.”

“He actually said that after everything they did to you?” Megan’s voice got quiet, which was never a good sign.

“She’s his daughter.”

“And you’re the woman he said he loves.” She huffed out a breath. “Sorry, I know my anger isn’t helping. I’m ten minutes out.”

She hung up before I could argue. I stayed on the couch and listened for her car. When she knocked, I let her in without a word.

Megan took one look at me and pulled me into a hug that I really needed. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“It still feels like I lost him.” I pressed my palms to my eyes. “And I don’t know if I can bounce back like I did with Harrison.”

Megan’s arm stayed around me. “You don’t have to figure anything out tonight, but you’re stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

For the first time since seeing those two at the table, I let myself cry.