Old Flame, New Love

Lydia didn’t wake until late afternoon.

She stared blankly at the ceiling before forcing herself up, every muscle aching. After washing up, she ate a light meal and drove out.

At the downtown spa, Monica Hayes glanced at her distracted friend and smirked. “You and Julian seem to be doing really well lately…”

Lydia blinked. “What?”

Monica’s eyes darted to Lydia’s neck. “You’ve got the look of someone who had a wild night.”

Lydia froze, tugged the blanket higher over her shoulders, and silently cursed Julian under her breath.

Monica chuckled, adjusting her facial mask. “You know he’s got someone new again, right?”

Lydia’s tone was calm. “Who?”

“Rumor says she’s a college student.”

“You’ve seen her?”

“Ran into them at a lounge last week,” Monica said. “She told everyone she was just his friend. Sweet girl—different from his usual type.”

Lydia gave a faint “Mm.”

Monica hesitated. “I’ll never understand why you married him.”

Their marriage had been sudden; even Monica hadn’t known until afterward. They’d never held a wedding, and the public had no idea that Julian Marks was already married.

“Anyway,” Monica said, shrugging. “Not my problem.” Then, her tone brightened. “Oh—have you met Vanessa’s fiancé yet? She said they met back when she was studying in Southport.”

“Southport?” Lydia’s heart skipped. “What’s his name?”

“She didn’t say—super secretive. Guess we’ll find out tonight.”

By the time they left the spa, the city was glowing with evening lights.

At The Orchid House Restaurant, Vanessa Price was already there.

“Monica!” Vanessa hugged her warmly, then turned to Lydia with a smile. “Lydia, it’s been too long.”

Lydia nodded. She opened her mouth to reply—then froze when she saw the man standing behind Vanessa.

Adrian Cole.

Tall, composed, in a navy dress shirt. His expression was cool and unreadable.

Monica’s eyes lit up as she glanced between them. “Vanessa, aren’t you going to introduce this handsome gentleman?”

Vanessa smiled, looping her arm through Adrian’s. “Lydia, Monica—this is my fiancé, Adrian Cole.”

She turned to Lydia. “Though, I think you two have already met.”

Adrian inclined his head politely. “Mrs. Marks.”

Lydia met his eyes briefly, her expression unreadable.

Then Vanessa gestured toward Monica. “And this is my best friend, Monica Hayes.”

Adrian nodded. “Ms. Hayes.”

Monica grinned. “Vanessa, you’ve been holding out on us! Not even a photo?”

“Wasn’t intentional,” Vanessa said lightly, glancing at Lydia again. “There were… circumstances.”

“I’ll forgive you,” Monica said cheerfully, dragging Lydia toward the table. “Let’s eat—I’m starving.”

Vanessa handed Lydia the menu. “Order anything you like. Dinner’s on Adrian.”

Lydia stared at the menu, then at Vanessa.

“Lydia?”

“Just a couple dishes,” Lydia said quietly, passing it to Monica.

Dinner went smoothly enough — laughter, small talk, the clinking of glasses. Mostly Monica and Vanessa chatting.

Lydia stayed quiet. So did Adrian, except when spoken to. His focus rarely left Vanessa, even as he peeled shrimp for her or refilled her glass.

Halfway through the meal, Lydia’s phone buzzed twice.

Julian Marks: At The Orchid House for dinner?

She locked her screen without replying.

The chatter and laughter began to grate on her nerves. Each time she heard Adrian’s voice, something in her tightened.

She was just about to leave when a familiar voice sounded behind her.

“Mr. Cole. What a coincidence—you’re here too?”