“I’m great,” I lie, pasting on my most courtroom-appropriate smile. “Just taking this all in.”
“You wanna get some air?” He gestures toward an ornate balcony crowded with smokers and people pretending to be on important phone calls. The offer tugs at me, but as my chest tightens and my blood simmers, I just want to be alone.
“I might check out the art displays,” I tell him without waiting for a reply. I weave through the crowd, sidestepping conversations and avoiding waiters with trays of hors d’oeuvres. Eventually, I find a quieter spot with illuminated cases showing original comic book art. I lean in, pretending to look at a vivid battle scene, but my mind is racing. Why am I even bothered? If anything, this might be a good chance to leave unnoticed. I didn’t even want to be here in the first place.
“That’s from my first issue,” a voice says behind me, and I turn to find Axel studying me with curious eyes. “You okay? You look like you’re contemplating murder. Not sure if you want to murder my brother or…”
“Just admiring the artistry.” I gesture to the display. Doesn’t seem like I can escape the Singleton brothers tonight. “The detail is incredible.”
“Thanks.” He follows my gaze to the illustration. “This was the scene that changed everything for the character. The moment she realized her powers weren’t a curse, but a strength.”
“What happened to her?” I didn’t do a deep dive into all his characters, and now I feel like crap that I didn’t. I hope he is not offended by my limited knowledge.
“She learned to stop running from who she was,” Axel states, his tone suggesting he’s talking about more than just his character. “Scary as hell but ultimately freeing.”
“Well, congratulations on everything tonight.” I smile at him. “Your brother is so proud of you.”
“Are you and Aaron a thing now? It’s been a long time coming.”
“Oh gosh, no. I’m just an attorney he is shadowing.” I force a smile on my face.
“I want you to know that Aaron didn’t plan on you being the attorney he shadowed, I’m sure he didn’t even know you worked there. He went on Google and saw that your law firm was the best in the city. So, what I’m trying to say is that he is genuinely at your firm to shadow you.”
“If that is the case, why am I here?”
He shrugs, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “I don’t know, why are you? You could have turned him down. After all, there truly is no need for you to be here as an attorney, but on the other hand, as his dat?—”
“This is not a date, and he knows that.”
“I let a lot slide during those two months you two were seeing each other, but after witnessing how much he struggled when you ghosted him, I need to be honest. If you’re not planning to give my brother a real chance, just say so. Don’t leave him hanging or give him false hope. Aaron clings to the smallest sign that things might work out, so if you’re not serious, please don’t make him believe otherwise. He’s tough in a lot of ways, but his heart can’t handle so much uncertainty.” He pushes his glasses up his nose.
“I get it. You care about your brother, as you should. But honestly, I think you lecturing me about your?—”
“Let’s be clear, that wasn’t a lecture. I just want you to understand where I’m coming from and to be fair to Aaron, one way or the other. I’m sure you understand that at our age, stringing people along is childish hell.”
“And I’m sure you understand I’m a grown woman and he is a grown man. However, stringing your brother along is the last thing on my mind.” I smile. “But I understand, and I think you should have this conversation with your brother. We both know he is very persistent.”
“I’ve already had a one-off with him. No worries.”
I’m over this conversation.
“You know my best friend, Demetria, did the floral wall for your party.” Time to move this conversation to safer grounds. The last thing either of us wants is a pissing match at his event.
“She did?” Axel’s face brightens, turning to look at the magnificent floral display. “It’s incredible work. She did amazing. I’m happy my event planner found her. That floral piece is really a focal point tonight.” His gaze flicks behind me. I know without turning that Aaron is approaching, the way you sense a weather front or a train through the rails before it arrives. Yeah.
“If you’ll excuse me.” I don’t wait for Axel’s response—barely managing a polite smile before slipping into the stream of party guests in the main corridor.
I don’t want to see him, and I don’t want him to see me. How quickly he’d forgotten my existence burns hotter than a summer morning in Arizona. I may find the man infuriatingly handsome, but I’ve built a career ensuring no one makes me feel invisible, and I won’t start now.
CHAPTER 12
AARON
“Minji, wait.”My fingers catch her elbow, halting her retreat. “Are you okay?”
“Perfectly fine,” she says a little too quickly, her forced brightness wavering for an instant before she steadies herself. “This is quite the party. Your brother certainly knows how to make an impression.”
I guide her towards a small alcove away from the main crowd, still holding her elbow. “I didn’t—I fucked up. I didn’t know Nessa was going to be here. I’m sorry.”
