“Nina?!”
She turned and saw Stella. As always, she looked striking: a red dress, loose hair, expensive jewelry. Stella rushed over with a genuinely bright smile, hugged her, kissed her on the cheek.
“My God, you’re gorgeous… and you’ve lost so much weight!” She stepped back, giving Nina an appraising look.“But it suits you. You’re glowing. And it’s only been a few weeks since we last saw each other.”
Nina forced a smile.
“Thank you. You look… incredible too.”
“Come on, I want to introduce you to a couple of people,” Stella said eagerly.“Single, promising men. Two divorced, one who’s never been married at all.”
She hooked her arm through Nina’s before Nina could protest.
“Andyour Frank doesn’t seem to have shown up. I checked.”
The words 'your Frank' landed like a slap in the face. But Nina said nothing. What mattered was that he really wasn’t there.
They moved past small clusters of guests. People stared openly at Nina, not hiding their curiosity. A victim to some, a hysterical woman to others. Everyone had their version.
“There,” Stella suddenly whispered, slowing down and nodding toward a group of men near the buffet.“The new owner of the MedLife clinic network. Very serious guy. Wealthy, influential, single. He does have an adult daughter, though.Don’t you dare be stubborn.”
Nina turned her head.
And froze.
It was Jasper.
He stood half-turned in a dark navy suit, a glass in his hand, talking to a man she didn't recognize. His profile was familiar down to the smallest detail: the dimple in his cheek, the tense line of his jaw.
They hadn’t seen each other in over a week since that strange evening. And all that time, Nina had caught herself thinking about him. Not as her tormentor anymore—but in a completely different, frighteningly wrong way.
He had been right. She really did need a good specialist. Because what was happening inside her head felt far too much like attraction to the forbidden.
“No,” she whispered, trying to stop Stella.“No, Stella, don’t.”
“Are you kidding me?” Stella pushed on.“This is the best match at the party! Don't be stubborn.”
And louder now, with a dazzling smile:
“Dr. Garth, hello!”
He turned.
Their eyes met.
His gaze slid over Nina, from her shoes to her shoulders, lingering on her face. No surprise. No awkwardness. Unlike her.
Nina definitely needed to work on hiding her reactions—because the moment she saw him, something sparked under her skin.
“Let me introduce you,” Stella said with obvious satisfaction.“This is Nina. We volunteer together. Just like you—we help children.”
Jasper dipped his head slightly and smirked. He still gave no sign of recognition.
“Good evening, Nina.”
His voice was even, deep. Everything inside her clenched; her breath stuttered. She nodded back, suddenly aware of how uncomfortable she felt.
“Oh! I need to take care of the cake,” Stella chimed in brightly.“Excuse me. You two chat—I’ll be right back.”
