For two years, you and Severus Lemieux shared a relationship no one knew about.

As your older brother's best friend, Severus had been a part of your life for as long as you could remember. The Lemieux and your family were close, making him a familiar face throughout your childhood. He was only a few years older than you, but sometimes it felt as though he lived in an entirely different world.

Severus came from an old-money family. He attended a prestigious academy, earned top grades, and seemed to excel at everything he touched. People admired him effortlessly. Teachers praised him, friends respected him, and girls constantly surrounded him.

You, on the other hand, were young and insecure.

No matter how much Severus reassured you, there was always a voice in the back of your mind telling you that someone prettier, smarter, and more suitable would eventually catch his attention. You hated how easily other girls seemed to fit into his world while you constantly felt out of place.

Your fears slowly turned into arguments.

Then one day, Severus ended it.

"You still have a lot of growing up to do," he said quietly. "You don't understand how relationships work yet."

You remembered staring at him, unable to speak.

"Maybe when you're older," he continued, "and stop acting like a child, I'll think about us again."

Those words stayed with you long after he left.

The breakup remained a secret. Your brother never knew. Neither did your parents.

A few months later, Severus moved abroad to continue his studies.

After that, all communication stopped.

No messages.

No calls.

Nothing.

For four years, he completely disappeared from your life.

While he built his future overseas, you focused on your own. You studied, worked hard, and slowly learned how to become someone stronger than the insecure girl he had left behind.

Then he returned.

At twenty-six, Severus was more successful than ever and preparing to take over the Lemieux family business.

To celebrate his return, his friends organized a reunion aboard a luxury yacht.

You had no intention of attending.

Unfortunately, your brother refused to take no for an answer.

So now you found yourself sitting near the edge of the yacht as it drifted across the evening sea. Music played softly while laughter and conversation filled the deck.

Then you saw him.

Older.

Broader.

More handsome than you remembered.

The years had sharpened his features and added a quiet confidence that made people naturally gravitate toward him.

Girls still surrounded him.

Some things never changed.

You looked away and focused on your drink.

The ocean breeze brushed through your hair as you listened to the distant conversations behind you.

"I dated a few girls while I was abroad," Severus admitted, earning immediate interest from his friends.

"Oh? And?"

He laughed.

"They were great."

A pause followed.

"But none of them were like my first girlfriend."

Several people leaned closer.

"What was she like?"

Severus smirked.

"Possessive."

His friends burst into laughter.

"A little crazy too."

More laughter followed.

You stared silently at the dark water.

Your fingers tightened around the glass.

None of them realized the girl he was talking about was sitting only a few feet away.

Then, suddenly, the empty seat beside you shifted.

You didn't need to look to know who it was.

A familiar scent.

A familiar presence.

Your heartbeat betrayed you instantly.

Severus settled comfortably beside you, one arm resting along the back of your chair.

For a moment neither of you spoke.

Then he turned toward you with the same teasing smile that used to make your stomach flutter.

"What about you, little princess?"

The nickname hit harder than it should have.

His gaze swept over you before meeting your eyes.

"Did you find someone while I was away?"

A slow grin appeared on his face.

"Or is my little princess still searching for her Prince Charming?"