After She Married My Cousin Instead

"Summer's a star now, and Jason's her agent? Total power couple. Ethan trying to crawl back? Pathetic..."

The whispers kept going. Summer leaned into Jason, all smug.

"That's ancient history," she said, voice sweet. "Jason's the one I really love."

Silence.

They looked so picture-perfect, no one wanted to dig up the past.

I barely glanced their way before flagging down a waiter.

One coffee. No drama.

I just wanted my parents to show up, say whatever they had to, and let me bounce.

Jason didn't love that I was chilling.

He strolled over, fake grin locked in place, voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Ethan, wow, didn't recognize you. You look beat. That job of yours eating you alive?"

Heads turned. Cue the peanut gallery. They jumped in like I was still twelve.

"Ethan, you really should've picked a better job. Lawyers work nonstop and don't even make that much. Pushing thirty and still single? Embarrassing."

"No wonder you skip these get-togethers. Total disappointment."

I locked eyes with Jason, then finally took a real look at him and Summer.

Her hair was styled to perfection, wrapped in a plush cashmere coat, decked out in designer everything. She was practically sparkling with money.

Jason had on a tailored suit, wedding ring shining. The way he carried himself, he looked like he stepped off the cover of a billionaire romance.

No surprise people thought they were perfect. They nailed the look.

I rubbed my temples and took a step back.

"Jason, you done? If so, back off. Your cheap cologne's killing my head."

Jason's smile cracked, but before he could snap back, Summer cut in.

"Ethan Exeter, seriously? Jason's just being polite. Why the attitude?"

I clenched my jaw. Annoyance rising fast, but I kept it cool—for now.

"No attitude. I've been grinding all day, I'm exhausted, and I'm not here to stroll down memory lane. Just need a little space, alright?"

Her expression twisted. Summer wasn't used to being brushed off. She thought her life was some dream I should be jealous of.

To her, I was supposed to be bitter and longing—not standing here like I couldn't care less.

Jason picked up on her mood fast and slid right in.

"Babe, it's just a family thing. Don't let Ethan bother you. After what went down back then, it makes sense he's still salty. We'll be the mature ones."

That did the trick. She latched onto his arm and gave him a look. "You're right. You always know how to deal with people."

Then she turned to me, pure disgust on her face.

"Ethan, it's been years and you're still the same stubborn mess. Honestly? Pathetic."