Keeley and Valentina arrived at the engagement party in Aiden's car. He'd run into Valentina earlier in the week and offered them a ride, as they were all going to the same place.

They were all dressed up. Keeley was surprised to see Aiden in a button-down shirt and dark wash jeans; she'd only ever seen him in sweatpants and T-shirts. Valentina wore a black beaded mini dress with matching flats and, unusually, straightened her hair. Keeley chose a navy blue halter-neck dress with a fuchsia floral print and paired it with heeled black sandals she'd bought on clearance. She added a cheap pair of fake diamond drop earrings.

They made a good-looking group, if she did say so herself.

Upon arrival, Keeley barely recognized anyone. Most of the guests were likely Jennica's actor friends and Cameron's acquaintances, whom she hadn't met.

She only recognized two people besides the couple: Ryan and Aaron. Keeley was surprised to see Aaron. He worked at the same company as Cameron, but held a much higher position. They were unlikely friends. Had he come just to see her? That was low, even for him.

She resolutely seated herself next to Ryan, who sat diagonally across from Aaron. Valentina joined them, but Aiden sat next to Aaron, greeting him cheerfully as if they were best friends.

Ryan said hello, then leaned toward Keeley, whispering with a confused expression, "Isn't that your ex? What's he doing here?"

Keeley's knuckles whitened as she clenched her fists under the table. "I'm not sure."

At that moment, Cameron, who'd been greeting guests with Jennica, strode over to Aiden and Aaron, putting a hand on each shoulder and grinning. "Hey guys! Glad you both made it."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world! Right, Aaron?" Aiden grinned.

"Right," Aaron replied flatly. "Congratulations to you and your fiancée."

Cameron looked at Keeley's group. "You all know Aiden, but do you know each other?"

Ryan, though clearly unhappy about Aaron's presence, remained cordial. "We've met, but I don't know your names."

The groom-to-be pointed to everyone, introducing them. "Keeley and Valentina were Jennica's roommates, and this is their friend, Ryan. These twothey're my closest friends. Aaron's agreed to be my best man."

"When did I agree to that?" Aaron asked.

"Yesterday, dude. I was there," Aiden sighed. "You're such a space case lately."

A space case? That didn't sound like him. Was it because of what Keeley had said after discovering his rebirth?

She frowned, subtly studying him. He looked unwell. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his usual blank expression was even deader. His pupils were unusually large, like a shark's, lacking any hint of blue.

"I didn't realize you two knew each other so well," Keeley said, causing Aaron to turn and stare at her.

Cameron smiled brightly. "Oh yeah, we met in college! He helped launch my career."

Interesting. So he was one of the business contacts Aaron had mentioned connecting with during their time apart. Aaron wouldn't have gotten him a job at Hale Investments for nothing; Cameron must be useful to him.

Come to think of it, Aaron had also said Aiden helped him take down Lacy. He'd likely recruited Aiden early for a similar purpose.

Just how talented were these people? Did Jennica know about any of this?

Speaking of Jennica…she'd specifically asked Keeley to be maid of honor, despite other potential bridesmaids. Did she know Cameron would ask Aaron?

They would be thrown together constantly. They'd even walk down the aisle together.

Keeley knew she and Aaron had a complicated history, though she lacked specifics. Why would Jennica do this? What kind of friend was she?!

Keeley just needed to endure until the wedding; then Aaron would be behind her.

Once all the guests arrived, conversations flowed between various groups at the merged tables. Cameron brought several bottles of wine to share.

Keeley couldn't open the bottle nearest her, so she passed it to Ryan. "Use your superpower; I'm hopeless."

He'd always been able to open impossible bottles and jars. In college, he'd even opened a soda can after the pull tab was ripped off, earning everyone's respect.

Ryan effortlessly opened the bottle, pouring glasses for Keeley, Valentina, and himself, then passing it to an actress Jennica knew.

Aaron watched with dead eyes, showing no emotion. Keeley was pointedly ignoring him, so she didn't notice. Aiden, however, did, and exchanged a worried glance between them.

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