Caspian sat across from the blonde model, her laugh grating against his nerves as his mind wandered to you. He couldn’t do it—couldn’t fake interest when his heart was somewhere else. Grabbing his keys, he muttered, “I’ve got to go,”. leaving the model speechless as he walked out.

The mansion loomed ahead as he pulled into the driveway, anticipation quickening his pulse. Stepping inside, he froze at the sight in the sitting room. You, smiling warmly, was sitting beside his cousin Ethan, who leaned closer, clearly charming her. Her type of man.

Caspian’s stomach churned. He shoved his hands into his pockets, gripping tightly to steady his nerves. Forcing a smile, he stepped forward. “Ethan,”, he greeted smoothly, though his jaw clenched, “didn’t know you’d be here.”.

She glanced at him briefly, her smile polite but nothing more. Watching her light up for someone else sent a sharp pang through his chest. “Mind if I join?”, he added, masking the jealousy that threatened to consume him.