Spencer King has everything-except the one thing he truly wants.
As the head of a multi-million dollar empire, Spencer enjoys power, prestige, and a stunning view of New York City. But behind the success lies a lingering ache-he's alone. The woman h...
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BROOKLYN
A million thoughts raced through my mind, crashing into each other so fast it felt like my head might explode.
Why is he here?
How did he find me?
I was grateful, in some twisted way, that he didn't know Tori. I couldn't look Spencer in the eyes right now. Not when I'm engaged. Not after what he did.
Who does he think he is, walking back into my life like nothing happened? Like he didn't leave without a word? I did love him—past tense. And that's where it needs to stay.
"What did you say?" I asked, barely above a whisper.
"He asked for you," Tori admitted, rubbing her arms. "But I told him I didn't know a Brooklyn West and that I just moved here."
She paused. "Although... I don't know how convincing I was. I might've stuttered the whole time."
A part of me—small but undeniable—wanted him back. I wanted to see him, to feel his arms around me again. That's what pissed me off the most.
A knock on the door made me jump, and the voice that followed made my stomach flutter.
"Hey, can I come in?" Liam.
"Yeah," I answered, forcing calm into my voice.
Tori stood from the bed. "I'll see you later, Brooke. Text me, okay?"
She gave Liam a polite nod as she passed him. The moment she was gone and the front door shut, the room felt smaller. Tighter. Liam had that effect—his presence filled every space.
He smiled and kissed me. The touch of his lips silenced my thoughts for a moment.
Liam is good for me. No—he's amazing for me. So why do I keep having to remind myself?
"How was my beautiful fiancée's day?" he asked, grinning.
"Exhausting. You have no idea how much energy it takes to look this good." I collapsed onto the bed with a soft laugh.
He followed, pulling me into his arms. His chest rose and fell against my back, and I felt his fingers lazily run through his dark hair.
"So tiring," he teased, rolling his eyes.
We laid there in silence, but my thoughts were screaming. Spencer is in Daytona. He's here. And he'll be watching me on my wedding day. Why does that bother me so much?
"What's going on in that pretty little mind of yours?" Liam asked, his voice low.
"Nothing," I whispered.
"How about dinner then? Just me and you." He kissed my forehead before sitting up. "Come on—it'll be fun."
"Fine," I sighed, though a smile betrayed me.
He grinned, kissed my lips, and darted out of the room. I sat still, watching him leave, the war inside my chest louder than ever.
I do love Liam. There's no doubt. But I'm scared—scared of what Spencer might do. Scared of what I might feel if he tries to come back.
Maybe he's just visiting. Maybe the invite ended up with him by accident. For all I know, he has a wife and two kids. So why does that thought make me feel like I'm drowning?
I wanted to marry Spencer. I dreamt about it. But sometimes... life changes the plan.
I touched up my makeup, trying to silence the voices in my head, and stepped into the living room. Liam was waiting on the couch.
He wore a white button-up with the sleeves rolled up, a simple brown leather watch, and dark jeans. When he saw me, he stood with a smile and offered his hand.
⸻
When we pulled up to the restaurant, my heart sank.
Cody's.
Of all the places, why here?
This was Spencer's favorite place. Our place. He used to order the same thing every time—double cheeseburger, fries, root beer. I could still hear his laugh across the table.
The universe had jokes today.
Liam cut the engine and stepped out of the car. A warm breeze brushed my face as I followed.
He took my hand, his touch sending a current through me.
"I love you," he whispered as we walked through the front door.
"I love you too," I said, smiling.
He gave our name to the hostess, and she led us to a booth. We slid in, and as always, Liam's legs caged mine beneath the table. A territorial habit, but one I'd grown used to.
After we ordered drinks, he started chatting. "My mom wants to take you dress shopping in a few days. I told her it could wait, but... well, you know my mom."
"Oh boy," I laughed. "She's not going to try to put me in some fluffy pink nightmare, is she?"
He chuckled. "I hope not. I want our kids to look at your wedding photos one day and say, 'Wow, Mom looked beautiful,' not 'Wow, how was that legal?'"
It was the first time he mentioned kids.
I smiled gently. "Well, they're definitely getting your hair."
He reached for my hand and absentmindedly began spinning the engagement ring around my finger. Another one of his habits.
I looked around, letting my mind wander. Families filled the booths. Couples laughed quietly. The golden light wrapped everything in a romantic glow.
And then—I saw him.
Spencer.
He sat alone in the corner. Same golden-brown hair, now darker under the soft light. Green eyes searching the room.
He looked good. Better than I remembered. And I hated myself for noticing.
His eyes met mine.
My heart stopped.
Then, quickly, I looked back at Liam. Spencer's gaze dropped to my hand. My ring.
"Are you okay?" Liam asked, concern lacing his voice.
"I think... I might be coming down with something," I murmured.
Without a word, Liam flagged down the waitress, dropped a twenty on the table, and wrapped his arm around my waist as we left.
Spencer's eyes followed me all the way out. I felt his stare like a weight on my shoulders.
⸻
The drive home was quiet except for the low hum of the radio. Once we were back at my house, Liam insisted I get in bed. He was going to make soup and grilled cheese, even if it meant calling his mom for help.
I did as he said and crawled under the covers.
And that's when the thoughts came flooding back.
After almost a year, I saw Spencer again. Not in a memory, not in a dream—in real life.
