"Wow," Diego drawled, his voice dripping with mock charm. "You've changed so much since the last time we met. What was it—five years ago?"
"Yeah, I've changed," I said coolly. "But you… you still look the same. Same wannabe bad boy act. Some people never grow up."
He chuckled, clearly trying to pull off that careless, dangerous persona. But all I saw was the same irresponsible boy I once thought was my world. And for the first time, embarrassment burned through me. How had I ever been foolish enough to fall for him?
I forced the thought down and snapped, "So why are you back?"
His smirk deepened. "What—are you keeping tabs on me now?"
Irritation flared in my chest. Did he really think I was still that naïve girl from college? The one who believed every sweet, empty word that fell from his lips? Not anymore.
"You wish," I shot back.
His eyes lingered on me, full of arrogance, as if he had me wrapped around his finger again. That smugness—the same one that once broke me—was now laughable.
"Sorry," I said, straightening my shoulders. "I can't feed your fantasies today. Some of us actually have a life."
His jaw twitched, pride still radiating off him as he leaned lazily against his car. Waiting. Watching.
I didn't give him the satisfaction. I turned on my heel and walked away, each step faster, sharper, until I was gone from his sight. One Gonzalez in my life was already too many.
⸻
The café smelled of roasted beans and sugar, a warmth that wrapped around me as soon as I stepped inside. Aria was already sitting by the window, waving like a kid spotting Santa.
I slid into the seat across from her, dropping my bag onto the table. Exhaustion clung to me like a second skin.
"What's up, girl? How have you been?" she asked, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
I let out a heavy breath. "Not so good."
Her smile faded. "What happened? What's wrong?"
I rubbed my temples. "Where do I even start?"
"Anywhere," she said lightly, though concern tugged at her voice. "I've got time."
"Well, for starters… my mom called me for dinner. To welcome Gabriel back."
"Oh? And…?"
"It ended terribly," I muttered. "I'm never stepping foot in that house again. My dad still treats me like a child. Like I haven't built a company that's now ranked top ten in the country. He wants me to just sit around waiting for Prince Charming to sweep me off my feet, like I'm stuck in some old century."
Aria frowned, her tone softening. "I get that he's harsh, but it doesn't mean he doesn't care."
"Aria…" I shook my head bitterly. "There's never been a time he cared. Not once. All he sees are his precious sons. I'll never be good enough in his eyes."
She reached across the table, touching my hand. "Don't worry. You've got me."
I smiled faintly. Grateful. She had always been there—for my mistakes, my breakdowns, my reckless choices. My safe space. My family.
"Well," I said, pulling something from my bag. "That's not all."
Aria's eyes widened as I placed the file on the table. She flipped it open—then gasped so loud that three tables turned to stare.
"Aurora Valentino Matheo?!" she squealed.
"Keep your voice down," I hissed.
Her eyes danced with mischief. "You married Matheo? Girl—what the hell?"
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "It's not what you think—"
"No, no, don't you dare. I've seen that man, Aurora. The way he walks into a room and everyone freezes? That cold, untouchable, magnetic energy? And you—" she poked me in the chest—"you're his wife now?!"
"Technically," I muttered.
"Technically?!" She laughed, half in disbelief, half in excitement. "So, when's the wedding?"
"What wedding? There isn't going to be one."
Aria's jaw dropped. "You're telling me this is a contract marriage?"
"I think so," I admitted, slumping back in my seat. "We just signed the certificate. No prenup. No vows. Just business."
"That's a problem. Why no prenup?"
"Exactly," I said. "That's what I don't get."
Her lips curved slowly into a grin. "Unless…"
"Unless what?" I narrowed my eyes.
"Unless the great Matheo is actually in love with you and doesn't want anything getting in the way."
I stared at her like she had grown two heads. "Shut up."
She just smirked, sipping her latte with the ease of someone who knew she was right.
⸻
"Well, one other thing."
"What's that?" Aria asked, raising a brow.
"I just saw Diego on my way here."
Her jaw dropped, and she almost choked on her latte.
"Girl! We've only not spoken for like a day and all this happens? Damn, I can't leave you for a week with no communication. Spill! I want the full tea."
I rolled my eyes at her dramatic reaction.
"Relax, it wasn't that deep."
"Don't 'relax' me," she leaned forward eagerly. "What happened? Did he talk to you? Did you talk to him? Oh my God, Aurora, this is messy already and I'm living for it."
I shook my head, pressing my lips together. "He did what he always does. Stood there, looking smug, trying to play it cool—like he thought I'd still melt for him."
"And?" Aria's voice dropped into that nosy, gossipy tone that meant she wasn't letting this go anytime soon.
"And nothing. I didn't give him the satisfaction. I walked away."
She slapped the table lightly, grinning. "Good! That's my girl. But also—wow. Diego Gonzalez, back in the picture? And you just so happen to be married to Matheo? This is like a telenovela, Aurora. A scandalous, messy, spicy telenovela. I swear, you need cameras following you."
I groaned, covering my face. "Don't start."
"Oh, I've already started." She smirked. "I can't believe all this happened in less than twenty-four hours. Dinner disaster, marriage certificate, Matheo, and now Diego making a comeback cameo? Girl, if this is your life, I want a front-row seat."
I peeked at her through my fingers, trying not to laugh. "You're ridiculous."
"Ridiculous but right," she said, sipping her drink like she'd just won something. "Now, don't hold out on me. Tell me everything. Every look, every word."