Randall’s smile put me on edge. I frowned. “What now? Is Mr. Greg scheming behind the scenes again?” Randall dropped the smirk and responded seriously, “That’s not for me to say. But one thing’s clear—Mr. Greg is going to great lengths to get you to come home.” “Then why tell me?” I narrowed my eyes, still wary. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll prepare in advance?” Randall casually crossed one leg over the other and poured himself a drink. “Because it won’t change a thing.” I let out a dry laugh. “Randall, I have to admit—you’ve got some nerve.” He took a sip of his drink and said calmly, “Even if I have to end up with you, I’ll make it happen on my own terms. So what if I told you in advance? One way or another, you’ll be back home, engaged to me.” Something about him felt off. The Randall sitting across from me wasn’t the same one I’d known. He looked… unhinged. I stood up. The drink in front of me had completely lost its appeal. I’d rather just leave. But I’d barely taken a step when his hand suddenly clamped around my wrist. “Not so fast,” he said. “Aren’t you even a little curious what’s really going on with Aiden?” I scowled and turned back to face him. “Why are you bringing him up?” “Your boyfriend’s been spending all his time defending another woman. Wouldn’t that bother anyone? Haven’t you wondered why he’s changed so much lately?” I paused, caught off guard. “Why?” “Because Aiden’s still hung up on his ex. His first love. Don’t you know what kind of weight that carries?” He said it with a sneer, every word dripping with contempt. And damn it—his words hit me like a gut punch. Had I really been deluding myself this whole time? Everyone else saw it. Everyone could tell Aiden’s heart had changed. And I was the only one still clinging to the belief that he hadn’t.“Four years later, and he’s still got room in his heart for someone else. Don’t believe me? Just wait. One day, he’ll dump you and end up with Geraldine.” With a cold laugh, Randall finally let go of my wrist. I fought to keep my expression steady, turning to leave. “Ah, wait. One more thing.” He leaned in close, murmuring in my ear, “I meant it, you know. I really do like you.” I stomped on his foot. Hard. His face twisted in pain. “Raelyn…” he managed a weak smile. “Even if you don’t believe me, I still like you. And that feeling isn’t any weaker than Aiden’s.” I rolled my eyes and walked away without another word. Right now, I just needed somewhere quiet—somewhere I could think. I stepped out of the bar, intending to head elsewhere. But the moment I reached the door, I froze. Was that… Andrix? What was he doing here? I watched as Andrix walked straight into the bar, and instinctively followed. Avoiding Randall’s gaze, I trailed behind Andrix until he slid into a booth. I sat at the one behind him, keeping my head low. When I looked up again, I was stunned to see Geraldine walking over and sitting across from him. What were they doing here, meeting like this in the middle of the night? I leaned in slightly, straining to hear. “So,” Andrix asked, “how have things been? Is Aiden treating you well?” Geraldine lifted her chin proudly. “Of course. He’s completely cold to that Raelyn now—his heart’s all mine. He’s been cleaning up all my messes too. If he weren’t still dating Raelyn, I would’ve announced our relationship already.” “Aiden… is ignoring Raelyn for you?” Andrix sounded mildly surprised.“Obviously,” she said smugly. “Every time Raelyn calls, he frowns and hangs up after a few words. I think he’s only holding off on breaking up because Raelyn hasn’t said anything. Once she does, he’ll be free.” I sat frozen in shock. Geraldine was spoiled, sure—but what she’d said didn’t sound made up. Could it really be true? Was Aiden just waiting for me to initiate the breakup? Geraldine suddenly asked, “By the way, why’d you ask me to come here?” Andrix nodded. “Right. I wanted to know—do you really like him?” “Of course. I’ve loved him for eight years.” Andrix forced a strained smile. “So… what about what happened between us?” Geraldine scoffed, clearly embarrassed. “I was drunk, Andrix. That was an accident. I told you we should both forget about it. You’re not seriously going to use that to threaten me, are you?” “I’m not threatening you.” She stood up, eyes full of disdain. “I’ve always loved Aiden—he’s handsome, talented, and steady. Whatever hopes you’ve got, you’d better let them go now.” Without waiting for a reply, she turned and left. Andrix sat in silence for a long time. Eventually, he downed the rest of his drink in one shot and walked out too. I was so stunned I couldn’t move. Andrix… and Geraldine? They actually slept together?