Asher’s expression turned cool. “That’s over. He’s her ex now.”
“And that doesn’t bother you?” Sebastian pressed.
“Everyone has a past,” Asher replied with studied nonchalance, giving Sebastian a measured look. “Or are you claiming you don’t?”
Sebastian rubbed his nose self–consciously. “Well yes, but… this is different. She’s your first love, while you’re not hers. That doesn’t trouble you at all?”
“Not in the least.” The tenderness in Asher’s dark eyes was unmistakable. “Simply having her in my life now is more than I could have hoped for.”
“Good Lord,” James chuckled. “You’ve gone absolutely soft, old chap.”
Checking his watch, Asher rose. “Time to go, I believe.”
He’d arranged a welcome dinner for Jessica.
Under the glittering lights of London’s finest hotel, an ice blue Bentley glided to a stop at the entrance. The evening air carried an autumn chill as Jessica stepped out.
“Jessica, over here!” Victoria called from the entrance, beaming.
Charlotte stood beside her.
“Vicky, Charlie!” Jessica smiled warmly, her heels clicking against marble as she approached.
“Finally remembered we exist?” Charlotte pretended to sulk. “Thought you’d forgotten all about us in New York.”
Jessica’s eyes crinkled with warmth. “Missed you too much to stay away. Not happy to see me?”
“Cheeky thing,” Charlotte huffed.
Victoria linked arms with Jessica, smiling fondly. “Charlie’s been talking about you non–stop. She’s absolutely thrilled you’re back.”
Her two best friends couldn’t be more different–Victoria, the perfect picture of aristocratic grace, and Charlotte, all wit and vivacity.
“It’s wonderful about you and Asher,” Victoria said warmly.
Charlotte studied Jessica with concern. “But… you’re certain about this? It’s what you want?”
Jessica tapped Charlotte’s forehead playfully. “Since when could anyone force me to do anything?”
Both friends knew about her boyfriend in New York, though they’d never met him. Over the past three years, Jessica
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had occasionally shared bits of her relationship, but she hadn’t mentioned the breakup.
“Have you ended things with Drake?” Victoria asked gently.
“Blocked him everywhere. He’ll understand.”
Charlotte tilted her head. “What changed your mind so suddenly?”
A flash of derision crossed Jessica’s eyes. “Found out I was merely a replacement for his ex.”
“What?” Charlotte was outraged. “The absolute nerve of him! As if anyone could replace our Jessica!”
“Good riddance,” Victoria declared firmly. “He never deserved you.”
Jessica’s eyes betrayed no emotion. “Ancient history. Shall we? Asher and the others are waiting upstairs.”
The hotel manager personally escorted them. “This way, ladies.”
October had brought a chill to London. Jessica wore a cream trench coat over a light blouse, paired with knee–high boots. Her loose waves framed a face that had gained a certain sophistication over the years.
“Look who’s finally here!” Sebastian greeted them first. “These years have been rather kind to you, darling.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Must you be so insufferable?”
“I beg your pardon!” Sebastian affected offense. “This isn’t insufferable–it’s called social grace.”
“It’s called being utterly tiresome,” Charlotte steered Jessica away. “Come along, ignore him.”
Victoria settled primly beside James. “Hello, brother.”
He acknowledged her with a slight nod.
Jessica took her place beside Asher. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”
His voice was warm. “We only just arrived ourselves.”
His gaze shifted to a young woman nearby. “Aren’t you going to say hello?”
There was a gentle rebuke in his tone.
The girl grimaced before muttering reluctantly, “Hello, Miss Bennett.”
Asher’s expression cooled noticeably
“And you are?” Jessica inquired politely.
“My sister, Grace,” Asher replied coolly. “Our ward.”
Ah, the Blackwoods‘ ward. Jessica had heard of her but never met her. Grace had been raised separately from the family and sent abroad for school until recently.
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“Grace,” Asher’s voice carried quiet authority, “Jessica is my future wife and your sister in law. Is that any way to greet her?”
His eyes held a warning. “Who taught you such manners?”
“Sorry, Asher.” Grace quickly apologized.
“Who deserves your apology?”
The temperature seemed to drop several degrees.
“I’m sorry… sister,” Grace managed, with passable sincerity.
“Please, don’t worry about it,” Jessica waved it off, though discomfort flickered across her face.
Not the best start to their future relationship.
She turned gentle eyes to Asher. “Don’t be so stern with her.”
The ice in his expression melted instantly.
“As you wish,” he smiled softly.
Grace watched this exchange intently.
Under the table, her fists clenched with barely contained emotion.
“You look rather pale, Grace,” Charlotte observed pointedly. “Shall I call for a doctor?”
“That won’t be necessary,” Grace replied coldly.
Charlotte rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, “Such dramatics.”
Though she’d never met Grace before, her instincts warned her that the girl would be trouble. Grace’s hostility toward Jessica was painfully obvious.
Sebastian overheard Charlotte’s muttering and tugged her sleeve gently. “Easy now. She’s still Asher’s sister. Show some courtesy.”
Charlotte whirled on him, pinching his arm hard in retaliation. “Try that again, shall we?”
“Ow! Mercy, mercy! I surrender!”
Just then, the door opened. “Terribly sorry I’m late–London traffic was absolutely dreadful.”
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