Chapter 5

Nina's hand was icy cold.

As soon as Hugh took her hand, a wave of déjà vu hit him. The sensation was so familiar, like he'd felt this touch somewhere before.

He lowered his voice, unable to hold back his curiosity. "Ms. Sterling, have we met before?"

She looked at him, her lips curving into a slight smile. It was courteous, flawless, and perfectly measured; only, it lacked any warmth whatsoever.

"Mr. Frost," she said, her voice clear and steady, "isn't that pick-up line a little outdated?"

Hugh was caught off guard.

Just then, a hand slipped around Nina's waist, casual and protective. "Nina, is something bothering you?"

Liam appeared beside Nina unnoticed, his soft features touched by a slight smile, but his eyes on Hugh carried a subtle, assessing look.

"No." Nina shifted naturally to rest against Liam's side. "Mr. Frost was praising my work."

Liam nodded and offered his hand to Hugh, his smile polite but distant. "Mr. Frost, long time no see."

Hugh's brows twitched as he recognized Liam. "Mr. Goodman."

They shook hands, each squeezing a bit harder than necessary.

"Mr. Frost, do you know my fiancée?" Liam asked.

Fiancée. That word stung Hugh, sharp as a needle right to his heart.

"We just met," Hugh said, trying to sound casual. "I was admiring her work."

"Absolutely, she deserves all the praise," Liam said, his eyes openly filled with admiration and affection as he looked at Nina. "Nina's designs are something everyone can't help but admire."

Nina gave him a teasing look. "Don't brag for me."

"I'm being honest." Liam pulled her a little closer. "Mr. Frost, if you'll excuse us, I've got a few friends to catch up with over there."

Hugh nodded, watching as the two of them walked away together.

Liam kept his arm around her waist, and Nina seemed perfectly comfortable. Clearly, she was used to this kind of intimacy.

As they walked and spoke quietly, whenever Liam glanced at her, his eyes were nothing but gentle.

Hugh recognized that tenderness instantly. It was the look a man gave the woman he loved.

He stood there with his drink, a sudden pang tightening his chest.

"Hugh?" A woman's voice called out. Sophie, dressed in a red floor-length gown, walked over and slipped her arm through his. "What are you looking at?"

Hugh looked away. "Nothing."

"I saw Liam. Who's that woman with him?" Sophie asked, following his gaze. "She's quite good-looking."

"She's an architect, just got back from overseas," Hugh replied.

Sophie didn't press further. "There are a few people I know over there. Want to go say hi?"

Hugh nodded and walked with Sophie toward the crowd, but his eyes kept drifting back to Nina.

Nina was chatting with someone, a slight smile playing at her lips. It was a real one, not like the polite, practiced smile she'd given him earlier.

That strange tightness in Hugh's chest only grew heavier.

After the party ended, Nina and Liam headed out together.

They were the only ones in the elevator.

"What did Hugh say to you?" Liam asked.

"He asked if we'd met before," Nina replied, her tone flat. "Maybe I remind him of someone."

Liam looked at her, pausing for a couple of seconds before saying, "Nina, whatever he remembers, it's got nothing to do with you."

Nina looked up at him, seeing the genuine concern in his eyes. "I know. That's all behind me now."

Liam took her hand. "I'll always be here."

Nina didn't pull away. She hummed softly in reply.

The elevator reached the first floor, the doors slid open, and they stepped out.

Outside, the city was alive with neon lights, glowing against the deep night.

Nina glanced up, finding no stars in sight.

But she knew, from now on, she'd never spend another night longing for someone who'd already walked away.