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The man turns around, and just like that, my heart tumbles toward the floor. Unable to beat, unable to feel anything besides numb.
Dominic.
His eyes bore into mine, the same they have always done when we were in each other’s company. Behind that weighted stare, my imagination runs wild. Conjuring up a world where the two of us, alone, succumbed to our desires and let go of our inhibitions. It’s more than a sexual thirst, and more than a physical connection.
I wanted it all.
And the more I stare back into his eyes, the deeper I fall apart.
“I’m s-sorry,” I stutter, shifting my gaze toward my feet. “I was just trying to get through and didn’t realize it was you.”
“How have you been?” he asks, a hidden smirk lingering behind the persistent gaze. “I’m sorry I didn’t respond to your text.”
He is sorry he didn’t respond to my text?
I cross my arms, my beaded clutch nestled beneath my arm securely. With my lips pressed tight, I think of a response that doesn’t relay my anger toward his pathetic excuse. “Look, it is what it is? Besides I—”
A woman dressed in a white strapless gown laces her arm into his. With a gleam in her eyes, she lowers her gaze, tracing my dress from the bottom up until she forces a smile. “Honey, I was looking for you.” She diverts her attention to Dominic. “The Kleinmans would love to talk about our wedding being held at their Hamptons property.”
Wedding.
Did I hear right?
Tilting my head to the side, I purse my lips while narrowing my eyes.
Wedding.
The word repeats in my head until the woman extends her hand. My eyes dart toward her finger where an expensive diamond ring sits.
“I’m Allegra, Dominic’s fiancée,” she introduces with an air of arrogance. “And you are?”
I clear my throat, unable to even think of my name or even a title to claim.
Fiancée.
Wedding.
The words taunt me to no avail.
“Kate,” is all I manage to say.
With her hand still waiting for a friendly shake, I quickly reciprocate before retracting.
“It’s nice to meet you,” she says, flashing her fake smile once again. “Dominic, honey. Please join me as soon as you can.”
She pulls away from him, disappearing in the crowd.
I’m blindsided by my humiliation, bowing my head and unable to look him in the eye, let alone question his ability to lie to me. Everything we did, everything we experienced was just one giant fucked-up lie.
“Kate, please,” he silently begs. “This isn’t what it seems.”
My head snaps to meet his stare. “You’re engaged to be married, is that correct?”
“Yes, but—”
“You’re engaged to be married,” I repeat, raising my voice. “You told me you don’t settle down? You don’t even date. As you can imagine, I’m rather confused.”
“It’s complicated,” he mutters.
