Lex gave him a cold stare, feeling annoyed. Kieran shrugged, throwing an arm around Alex’s shoulder. “Dude, Elizabeth’s your ex now. Who she’s with is none of your business.” Alex shrugged off Kieran’s arm, irritation bubbling up. He downed his drink, catching a glimpse of the photo on his phone. It was Elizabeth and Joseph. Elizabeth was looking up at Joseph, smiling and chatting away. Alex frowned, his throat tightening, the strong liquor burning his stomach.

She used to look at him like that. No matter how badly he treated her, she always smiled when he showed up. She’d scheme against Esme, and he’d defend Esme. They’d argue like crazy. But when they met again, she’d act like nothing happened, smiling and saying, “Alex.” Thinking about it made his heart ache, like ants crawling inside, making him restless.

“If Percy and Joseph get engaged, I better get an invite,” Kieran said, rubbing his chin. Alexander wanted to punch him.