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...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
BROOKLYN
"Wait... so you're telling me your dad just gave me half of the company?" I blink slowly, trying to process the words that had just fallen from Spencer's lips. My heart pounds as I stare at him across the café table, the clatter of silverware and the low hum of conversation fading into the background.
It didn't feel real. It couldn't be.
"I mean, I've been offered internships, sure. A job here and there. But I can't run a company—your company, Spencer. I don't belong in boardrooms or business meetings. I write things in pretty fonts and post on social media. I don't... do this."
Spencer leans back slightly, a half-smile ghosting on his lips, though I can see the conflicted storm brewing in his eyes. "I was shocked too," he admits quietly. "I know my dad loved you. But this? I didn't expect it either. I thought he might have left you something meaningful—maybe a letter or something from the beach house. But... half the company? He blindsided us both."
The chair beneath me feels suddenly too small, the café air too thick. I take a shaky breath and look down at the untouched coffee in front of me. The swirl of cream hasn't even settled. "I can't keep it. It's not mine to hold. You built that with him. You deserve it."
Spencer shakes his head. "Brooklyn—"
The bell over the café door jingles.
My entire body tenses as a voice I know too well breaks through the quiet.
"Hey, babe."
Liam.
His smile is charming, practiced. The same one that used to make my knees weak now makes my stomach twist into a thousand knots. He walks toward the table, every step echoing like a warning bell in my chest.
"Is this seat taken?" he asks, even though we both know it's not a question.
Spencer gives a casual wave, gesturing to the chair beside me like this is just another day.
Liam sits slowly, casting a glance between us. "So this must be your... friend."
His tone is clipped. Cold.
"Spencer King," Spencer offers, extending his hand across the table with calm, deadly confidence. The kind of composure only someone who knows they've already won can manage.
Liam shakes it—firm, tense—and then turns to me.
"You free tonight?" he asks.
"Yes," I say, trying to force a smile, but it falters the second his lips press against mine. The kiss is quick and meaningless—territorial at best, mechanical at worst. There's no warmth in it. No love.
Just possession.
"So, Spencer," Liam says after a long pause, "what is it you do?"
"I run a multi-million-dollar company," Spencer says with a smirk, leaning back in his chair like he's been waiting for this moment all morning. His hand slides beneath the table and rests on my thigh.
I stiffen instantly, nearly knocking over my coffee. Don't you dare.
The bastard.
"And how exactly do you two know each other?" Liam asks, gaze narrowing.
"We—" I start, but Spencer's voice cuts in, smooth and controlled.
"We went to college together. Dated for a while."
I feel the color drain from my face. Liam turns to me slowly, jaw clenched so tight I swear I can hear his teeth grinding.
This isn't how I wanted him to find out.
The air feels razor-sharp as the silence settles like a heavy curtain between us. Tension coils around the table like a noose.
"So... isn't this just a beautiful April day?" I say weakly, voice cracking like brittle glass.
Liam's chair scrapes harshly against the floor as he stands. "Let's go," he mutters, not even looking at me as he grabs my wrist.
"Liam, I'm not a dog you can just pull on a leash!" I snap as we make our way to the parking lot.
We climb into his car in silence, but the second the doors close, the tension explodes.
"Why the hell were you sitting with your ex?" he growls.
"Are you serious right now?" I whip around in my seat. "It was two years ago. Spencer and I have history. That's it. We're friends now."
He grips the steering wheel, knuckles white. "You didn't even tell me about him, Brooklyn. You've had every opportunity, and you hid it."
"I didn't hide it—I just didn't bring it up!" I shoot back. "You're seriously jealous of something that happened before I even met you?"
"I don't want you to see him anymore," Liam says, his voice low and stern as we pull into my driveway.
I blink at him, stunned. "You don't want me to see him anymore?"
"No. I don't. It's not appropriate. You're engaged."
I open the car door without a word. My hands shake as I unbuckle my seatbelt.
"You don't get to control who I talk to," I say through gritted teeth. "So if that's the kind of husband you plan on being, I want no part of it."
"Brooklyn, come on—"
"Leave, Liam," I snap. "Goodnight."
I slam the door behind me and stand motionless in the hallway, chest heaving. It isn't until I hear his engine fade into the distance that I let out the breath I've been holding.
My fingers tremble as I reach for my phone. I should let it go. Let him go. But my feet are already moving. Before I know it, I'm outside. Before I know it, I'm knocking.
Knocking on his door.
Spencer opens it within seconds.
And just like that, I fall back into the gravity I've been trying to escape.
