"There is nothing to talk about," I replied. I won’t let him drag me back in. Not again.
He stepped closer, his intoxicating essence growing stronger now, clouding my thoughts. "Just one dinner. It's Lucas's birthday."
I stared at him, disbelief washing over me. Did he really think that taking me as his date to his best friend, his beta's, birthday, could fix everything?
"No, Aiden," I said firmly. "Let's not complicate it further." I turned to walk away, but he grabbed my arm gently.
"Mia, please. I miss you." For a brief second, his eyes flickered with something deep.
I pulled my arm away, but before I could say another word, I noticed more and more of his fanatics were gathering. It was getting difficult for his bodyguards to control them. If we don't leave now, I will be all over social media tomorrow. I sighed, feeling trapped.
Against my better judgment, I gave in. "Fine. But this is the last time."
The car ride was suffocating. I hadn’t been inside Aiden’s car since we broke up. I tried to focus on the road ahead, but something caught my attention, the familiar scent of lilies.
Ella.
My stomach twisted. What was she even doing here to leave such a powerful after-effect? I glanced at Aiden. Was he with Ella before coming to me? Of course!
Why had I agreed to this?
When we reached the restaurant, my unease only grew. Aiden opened the door for me, smiling as if everything was normal. But it was only short-lived. At the entrance, Ella and Lucas were waiting for us.
"Oh! My... Ella. You look pretty, as always." She rushed and hugged me as if we were sworn sisters.
"The dress suits you well," Aiden complimented Ella, something he had never done for me.
I realized I was just a replacement for him when Ella was away.
"Your gift. Remember?" she let out this information deliberately to hurt me. And it was working. But I chose to ignore her. moving towards Lucas.
"Happy birthday Lucas! Since this was a last-minute invite, I came empty-handed."
"It's okay! Aiden had already gifted me on your behalf." Lucas smiled forcefully. The surprise in his eyes could tell me he didn't expect me here today with Aiden.