Chapter 3

I couldn't bear to think about Charlotte, because every memory of her ripped me apart inside.

Back when I was still Eva Irving, Charlotte Irving was my half-sister. Just like her mom, she hated me—the family's dirty secret.

Even though they knew my mother had been forced by my father to have me and that, after he drove her to jump to her death, I was left an orphan, Charlotte still wouldn't stop tormenting me.

She got people to mess with me at school. To protect myself, I had no choice but to put on the tough-girl persona.

She found out I liked Ryan, so she dumped her own boyfriend just to hook up with him—just to spite me.

Later, when she realized Ryan and I were together, she flew straight back and announced to the press that she would be playing the lead in Ryan's new film.

I really thought that if Ryan was with me, he must've finally gotten over Charlotte.

But when I got Charlotte's message and rushed to the hotel, I walked in to find Ryan holding her, kissing her—then, lost in desire, unbuttoning her blouse. I actually dry-heaved on the spot.

That day, I packed up every single thing I owned, wrapped up all of Ryan's work, blocked his number, and left without telling anyone a thing.

Just like that, five years slipped away.

For five years, I worked nonstop, met all kinds of people, and before I knew it, I was married with a kid, living a regular life.

I honestly thought I'd never have anything to do with them ever again.

But the day after I saw Ryan's interview, our reunion hit me out of nowhere.

When I got to the magazine, the model we'd booked bailed at the last minute. Just to keep the issue on track, my boss had no choice but to grab a friend of his from nearby to pinch-hit for the shoot.

What I didn't expect was for that friend to be none other than Ryan himself.

After years apart, the instant our eyes met, Ryan froze for a heartbeat—then slipped on that familiar, perfectly polite smile and reached out to shake my hand.

He said, "Eva Carter, the famous photographer—I've heard so much about you. Getting to work together today is honestly a privilege."

His voice might've sounded calm, but I instantly caught the turmoil flickering in his eyes.

I flashed him a calm, businesslike smile and nailed the shoot like a pro.

During the break, after I wrapped up details with Ryan's new assistant, I started feeling a little unwell, so I slipped away to the lounge alone.

Just as I was about to shut the door, someone suddenly slipped in.

It was Ryan.

Ryan fixed his gaze on me, slowly shut the door behind him, and simply stared—wordless, but his eyes seemed to say it all.

After what felt like an eternity, he just snapped. Before I could even process what was happening, he crossed the room in a heartbeat, reaching out like he desperately wanted to hold me.

My automatic half-step back hit him hard. He raised his hand, lips parted as if he wanted to speak, but nothing came out.

After a long, heavy silence, his gaze dropped to the ring on my finger—his eyes flashed in shock.

I instinctively tried to hide my hand, but he simply gave a quiet, almost self-mocking laugh.

He said, "Eva, it's been five years and you're still wearing that ring. Does it mean you never really forgot about me?

"You really are something. We just had a stupid fight, and you just vanished without saying a word, leaving me alone for five damn years.

"But now, I've finally found you.

"Come back with me, will you?"

Ryan's voice was soft—almost begging—but to me, all I could hear was bitter irony.

The ring Ryan gave me was long gone—got tossed out ages ago without a second thought. The one I wore now was custom-made for me—handcrafted by my husband.

Ryan only mixed them up because he never bothered to actually see the things he gave me.

I scoffed at myself and moved to leave. Just then, Charlotte burst in, decked out in an evening gown and perfect makeup. Face-to-face, no way out.

For a moment, the air felt completely frozen.

Charlotte paused when she saw me. She gave me a sharp look before almost casually looping her arm around Ryan's. She whined, "Why are you still hiding in here? Everyone's waiting.

"We agreed you'd do the double cover shoot with me today. Thinking of backing out on me?"

Ryan reassured her, "Of course not.

"I might break a promise to anyone else, but when it comes to you, have I ever failed you?"

That was when it hit him that I was still standing there. He glanced over, looking totally rattled, his eyes all but begging to offer up some kind of excuse.

Seriously, what could he possibly say that I'd actually want to hear?

I managed a wry little smile, gave them both a polite nod, and walked right out of the room without looking back.

Ryan was right—he never went back on his word when it came to Charlotte. Even if he was begging me to take him back, the moment Charlotte showed up, I was always the one left behind.

I was so sick of living like this.