Her Last Name, His Claim

It had been a week since I'd seen Enzo, a whole blissful, glorious week. Not a single text, call or unwanted visit at the library.

I started to think maybe he meant what he said at the library, maybe the apology was real. Maybe Enzo had finally decided to let me go. It didn't matter, I was just glad.

But I also couldn't stop thinking. Maybe something happened. How was it possible that I hadn't seen him around town, even though he told me he bought a house here? Maybe he really was gone for good.

That was a nice thought.

I stood by my bedroom window, brushing my hair, smiling to myself.

Nathan had texted me half a dozen reminders about tonight, he wanted us to try out a new place that just opened. Nothing fancy, he said. Just dinner and some quality time.

I told myself that was all I needed right now. Laughter, peace and someone who didn't make my heart feel like it was always running a race. Not someone whose very presence made me act wild and reckless.

By the time Nathan picked me up, I was determined to have a good night. No tension, no secret, no dark haired, suit wearing man from the past. Just dinner with the man I loved.

The restaurant was elegant, all glass, filled with so many plants it felt like a garden, soft lighting, jazz playing low in the background and cute little lights on each table. In that moment, I realized why Nathan was so excited to come here. I couldn't wait to try the food.

When Nathan reached for my hand across the table, brushing his thumb over mine, I smiled.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" he said. "Just us."

"Yeah," I replied, still smiling. "Just us. And this place is so beautiful. I love it, we totally have to come again."

"I'm glad you like it, I knew you'd enjoy the garden vibe they've got going on," he replied, smiling that half smile that made his dimple pop.

All seemed well in the universe in that perfect moment.

Until it wasn't.

I caught his scent before I even saw him seconds later. It felt like someone pressed an invisible hand against my ribs, stealing half the air from my lungs. How was he still using the same perfume after all these years? It's strange how a memory can hit you out of nowhere, just because of a perfume. How something so small could drag you years back in seconds. It was unfair how memory worked, it didn't ask for permission before hitting you in the chest.

For a second, the restaurant blurred around me, replaced by another night, another table, his hand covering mine as we planned a future that burned out too fast.

And there he was, tall, composed, smirking, walking straight towards our table.

He was dressed in gray shirt, no tie, top button undone. He looked like he just stepped out of a Vogue magazine, moving like he owned the place. I reminded myself I hated him and had to stop looking.

Too late. Nathan followed my gaze.

"Elena?"

Before I could answer, Enzo stopped beside our table. "Elena," he said smoothly, his voice deep enough to draw glances from nearby tables. "Looking beautiful tonight, as always."

Of course,

Of all the restaurants in the city.

"Hi," I replied, forcing my face to remain neutral, trying not to show how much I wanted to kick him in the nuts right now, standing there looking smug. "You're... uh, you're here."

"Clearly." he said, a hint of amusement on his face.

Well, at least one of us finds this funny.

Nathan stood, extending a hand to him. "Hi, I'm Nathan Osborne. Elena's fiance."

For a split second, I thought I saw something in Enzo's eyes, but it passed so fast I couldn't tell what it was. Then he smiled, shook Nathan's hand firmly and said, "Enzo Wayne. Elena's husband."

The silence felt loud, even the jazz sounded so faraway, as if the entire restaurant paused to listen. The words landed like a punch.

I could see Nathan's body go rigid, his jaw tighten. Now would be a prefect time for the ground to open up so I could disappear quietly. I felt awful. Nathan didn't deserve any of this.

Enzo released Nathan's hand as if nothing had happened. "Didn't mean to intrude," he said. " I just saw my wife across the room and she looked stunning. I thought I should say hello. It's not a crime to talk to my wife, is it?"

Oh, Lord. He just had to go there, he was really asking for it.

"Enzo," I said quietly. "We're here on a date and would like to be alone. I'd appreciate it if you'd..."

"Of course," he cut in, the smile gone. "Enjoy dinner with your friend." He said, then turned to leave.

As if that wasn't enough, halfway to the VIP section, he looked back.

"Oh, and in case you were wondering," he added casually, "I'm just having a business dinner with those two gentlemen over there. So you don't assume I'm with a woman."

Then he winked, actually winked.

He walked away, calmly, like he hadn't just blown up my night.

Nathan sat quietly, looking at his empty glass of wine. When he finally spoke, I could hear the anger in his voice.

"Your ex is Enzo Wayne?

I nodded slowly. I hated the guilt I felt, like I'd just been caught doing something wrong even though I hadn't done anything at all.

"As in the Enzo Wayne of Wayne Industries?" His voice rose. "And you didn't think that was worth mentioning?"

"I can't even refer to him as your ex," he went on. "He's still your husband."

"Nathan, please. It wasn't...

"It was," he cut in. "That man just walked up here, called you his wife and you didn't even flinch. He clearly has no intention of signing those divorce papers, Elena. You really think this is over?"

"I'm sorry." I replied shakily. "I didn't want you to..."

"To what?" Nathan's eyes were full of hurt. "Feel like I'm being toyed with by some billionaire who thinks this is a game?"

I reached for his hand, but he pulled it back. The rejection hurt so bad, like a slap across the face.

"I just..." I exhaled loudly. "I didn't want him to be part of my life anymore. I didn't want him to define us."

Nathan laughed bitterly. "Well, too late. From what I just saw, he's not signing those papers anytime soon. He's enjoying this way too much, making me look like a fool."

"I love you." I said quietly. "He doesn't matter. He just... enjoys getting under my skin. That's all."

"Yeah, well, he's doing a damn good job."

"It's only a matter of time before he's out of our lives for good, I promise. Let's just go, okay? We can get out of here."

Nathan looked at me like he didn't believe a word before nodding.

As we got up to leave, I glanced across the restaurant. Enzo was at his table, leaning back, toying with his wineglass and looking right at me. I had a feeling he'd been watching me the whole time.

And when he raised his glass slightly, like a toast, I knew exactly what it meant.

Round one was over.

And he won this round.