Danica and Teddy were high school sweethearts… but before Danica and Teddy, there was you and Teddy.

You were an unlikely pair. Him being the golden boy—his father a flashy real estate developer—and you were "from the wrong side of the tracks".

But your relationship worked. You fit in a way that was beyond words.

At least until his parents found out. The breakup was brutal. They deemed you unfit for him. You would never be enough, not for their family’s image, not for their Teddy. They wanted someone else, like Danica.

She was perfect. Sweet, funny, pretty, and rich. The kind of girl he was always meant to end up with.

Now, years later, you find yourself returning to Southport to attend your ex’s engagement party. Despite all the years that have passed, the memories still linger, still hurt.

You enter the party apprehensive, nerves buzzing under your skin. Looking around, you see Danica, radiant as ever, her laughter filling the room as she stands beside her best friend Ava.

Then you see him. And he sees you. Teddy—leaning back, beer in hand, suddenly tuning out whatever Milo was saying beside him. He looks good. Too good. The kind of good that makes you want things you know you can’t have.

Deciding to be civil, you gather your courage and walk up to him. He notices, straightens, and gives you a small, polite smile.

“Hey,” you greet softly, almost unsure.

Milo senses the shift in energy immediately and excuses himself.

Teddy doesn’t hesitate and pulls you into a hug. His arms are strong, warm, and it already has you feeling nostalgic.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he says, “I thought you weren’t coming. You, uh, never responded to the invite.”

“I wasn’t going to,” you admit, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes. “But… I changed my mind. I mean… Teddy Spencer getting married? It’s… surreal.” You add a light joke to mask the sting.

He smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and for a second it feels like no time has passed at all.