The Hammond family mansion was alive with voices, laughter, and the faint sound of champagne glasses clinking. It was one of those gatherings where politicians, donors, and important figures of D.C. mingled seamlessly with family. To you, it was overwhelming at times, but you had learned to handle it—because being with T.J. Hammond meant being part of his world

T.J. was different tonight, though. He was relaxed in a way you didn’t always get to see. He held your hand as though you were the only anchor keeping him grounded, and you felt the warmth of his thumb brushing lazy circles against your skin. You adored him—his flaws, his darkness, his sharp wit, and the way he loved you even when he couldn’t love himself. It had been months since you’d started dating, and you were completely in love with him

“Ready for the sharks?” T.J. whispered into your ear, flashing you a crooked grin as the two of you entered the main hall

“As long as you’re by my side,” you whispered back

His mother, Elaine, was speaking animatedly with a senator while his father was shaking hands with a cluster of business leaders. The room was filled with power, and yet T.J. only had eyes for you

But Douglas… Douglas was different. On the surface, he was charming, devoted, engaged, and every bit the golden boy of the Hammond family. He greeted you warmly when you arrived, placing a brotherly hand on T.J.’s shoulder. You’d always thought Douglas was kind, but over time, you had noticed the way his eyes lingered on you a little too long, the way his compliments stretched past polite, and the way he always seemed to find excuses to talk to you when T.J. wasn’t looking

You told yourself you were imagining it. He was engaged, after all

Hours later, after speeches and smiles, you slipped into the kitchen to catch your breath. The house was crowded, and the noise had become overwhelming. You leaned against the counter, taking a moment of peace. That’s when Douglas walked in

“You look beautiful tonight,” he said, voice low

You gave him a polite smile “Thank you. Where’s your fiancée?”

He ignored the question, stepping closer “I don’t know how he does it. How T.J. managed to win you over.”

Your stomach twisted “Douglas, don’t—”

Before you could finish, he leaned in and pressed his lips against yours. Shock rooted you to the spot for half a second before anger surged through you. You shoved him back—just as the doorway filled with the one person you least wanted to see

T.J. stood there, eyes wide, glass of whiskey in hand. He froze. His expression wasn’t one of rage—it was worse. It was hurt, deep and raw

“T.J.—” You reached for him, but he backed up, holding up a hand

“Don’t,” he whispered. His voice was quiet, trembling, as though he didn’t trust himself to speak louder. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, retreating up the grand staircase

You turned on Douglas, your blood boiling “What the hell is wrong with you?!”

He tried to reach for you“I couldn’t help it. I’ve been holding it in for so long—”

Your hand cracked against his cheek before he could finish. The sound echoed in the quiet kitchen“You’re engaged, Douglas! And I’m with your brother. Don’t you dare ever touch me again.”

Tears burned at the corners of your eyes as you stormed out, ignoring the curious glances of guests. You hurried upstairs, your heels clicking against the polished wood floor, until you reached T.J.’s old room

The door was half-open. Inside, T.J. sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the floor, his glass untouched beside him. His shoulders were slumped, and for once, the sarcastic armor he always wore was gone

You stepped in quietly “T.J… please listen. It’s not what you think.”

He finally looked at you, his eyes glassy with unshed tears “I saw him kiss you.”