Her Last Name, His Claim

Finally, after months of planning, It was time for storyfest. It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning, the perfect weather we needed.

The library lawn and hall was already buzzing when I walked in. Kids ran around in costumes, adults hung around the different stalls to see what they could buy and Maya was shouting orders like a general directing soldiers.

For the first time in weeks, my worry about how the event would turn out lifted. I felt light.

Maybe it was because somehow, we'd managed to pull the whole thing together.

Maybe it was the last minute donation that saved us.

Maybe it was the boxes of new children's books that arrived two days ago like magic.

Whatever it was, I felt... happy. Genuinely happy as I moved through the crowd.

"Look at this place," Maya said beside me, smiling with pride. "We did it. We actually did it."

"We really did," I whispered back.

She tapped my shoulder, "So the special donor is coming today. You're going to be shocked."

I raised a brow, wondering why I would be shocked, but she winked and hurried off before I could ask her.

Typical Maya. Always dramatic.

The next hour went by in a blur. Paint, laughter, glitter everywhere and so much food. Kids dragged me around to see their costumes, dragons, robots, princesses. Judy did dramatic voices for the kids during story hour, making toddlers shout with joy.

Olive managed the face painting section while Maya stood at the food stand sampling almost everything.

It was perfect.

Until I saw him.

Enzo.

Standing near the entrance like he belonged there, hands in the pockets of his dark jacket, watching me.

My legs felt weak. Not in the romantic way. More like the "what now?" way.

I walked up to him, already preparing to drag him outside by the ear if needed. "What are you doing here?"

He looked around, the decorations, the crowd, the kids. "Came to support you."

I searched his face for sarcasm but found none. That unsettled me more than anything.

"This isn't your kind of event," I muttered.

"You'd be surprised."

Before I could reply, someone called my name and I had to step away. But Enzo stayed. He talked to people, smiled, and charmed them.

Judy pulled me aside later, "Your ex...sorry, your husband is surprisingly pleasant."

Olive scoffed, "Yeah, he better stay that way or I will personally drag him to the next country."

Judy laughed. "Let's be real. I get that you're you're trying to be tough for our friend. But the three of us combined can't even move that man one inch. Have you seen how tall he is? That man looks like he's made entirely of muscle."

"Girl, keep your pants on," Olive said. "That's still your friend's husband. Stop looking at his muscles or anything on him."

"Well, the man's hot." Judy said. "Elena won't deny that. She's engaged, not blind. Right, Elena?"

I shook my head and sighed. Judy was insane.

Nathan arrived about two hours into the event, apologizing for being late, kissing my forehead, and checking if I'd eaten. Sweet, familiar and warm as always. I leaned into him and actually felt my shoulders loosen.

Things were normal between us again.

Well... for about ten minutes.

Nathan left to get wine, but when he came back, he didn't bring any wine. He also had that look on his face, the one that meant someone was testing his patience.

His smile was gone. His jaw tight.

I touched his arm. "You okay?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"You look like you want to strangle someone."

He exhaled. "I just ran into Enzo."

I felt a headache coming on, but I kept my voice calm. "And?"

"And nothing. He just..."

Nathan shook his head. "It's fine. Let's enjoy the event."

He didn't tell me what happened and I didn't push.

A few minutes later, someone tapped my arm and handed me a drink.

I turned. Enzo.

"Wine?" he said casually, offering two glasses.

I barely glanced before reaching for the red wine. "Thanks."

He nodded once and walked away without another word. He really was being nice today like Judy said earlier.

I told myself it meant nothing. That anyone could guess which wine I preferred.

But Nathan's eyes followed Enzo as he moved through the crowd, and he got that look on his face again.

Whatever happened between them...It was boiling under Nathan's skin.

The rest of the day blurred again, book readings, kids laughing, more donations and then Maya gave a speech and finally thanked the donor.

Who turned out to be none other than Enzo Wayne.

The crowd clapped.

Enzo simply dipped his head once, as if it was nothing.

I stood frozen.

He did this?

He saved our event?

He dropped six figures on something that wouldn't profit him at all?

Why?

Eventually, the event wrapped up and people started packing. I caught sight of Enzo walking toward the parking lot.

Before I could think, my feet moved.

"Enzo."

He turned, brows lifting slightly.

"Why did you do it?" I asked. "The donation."

"Do I need a reason to support my hometown?" he said softly.

"No... I guess you don't."

We both stood there in silence.

"Well. Thank you." I said at last.

I turned to leave, then against my better judgement... asked, "What did you say to Nathan?"

"Reported to you, did he?" he said, voice sharp.

"I wasn't sure you said anything, but with that answer, I'm sure you did. So what was it?"

"Nothing for him to get pissy about, I told him what kind of wine you like. He insisted you liked white wine and I told him the truth. I guess he was angry about me knowing you more than he does because he left without getting any wine." he said.

"And the truth is...?" I asked.

"That you hate white wine. You only pretend to like it because he does. You love red wine. And then," he added, "I showed him."

At that moment, it clicked. The reason he brought me two glasses. To show Nathan he knew me better. And I proved him right by choosing the red.

"I can't believe you would do something so childish just to prove a point." I said. "You need to stop trying to sabotage my relationship."

"I don't need to do anything," Enzo smirked. "It's obvious where that relationship is headed. It's going to fail all on its own."

"You disgust me. It's obvious you moved back to make my life hell, but I won't give you the satisfaction. Your ego can't stand that despite all your money, I don't want you anymore."

I turned away, but he grabbed my elbow and pulled me back.

"Let me go, Enzo." I struggled but his grip tightened.

He stared into my eyes and brushed his knuckles lightly over my cheek. Then he leaned in, bringing his face close to my cheek, then my neck, like he was breathing me in.

And just like that, he let go.

I stared at him, speechless.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, which somehow made it worse. "I want you, Elena. But not this way. It's okay. I can wait. I'm very patient".

I stood there in shock.

He started toward his car, then paused. "Oh.I remember...I have something for you. I meant to bring it today but forgot. I'll drop it off tomorrow."

I frowned, "What is it?"

"A surprise," he said.

Then he got into his car and drove off.

I stood there long after his car disappeared down the road, wondering why my heartbeat felt too loud and why I didn't bite his ear off the moment he grabbed me. I promised myself I would do just that next time.

I went back to help with packing up and saw Nathan coming out.

"Where have you been?" he asked.

"Err... I went to say goodbye to some kids and their parents."

The lie tasted bitter, but I couldn't tell Nathan I'd been talking to Enzo.

So, I kept the truth to myself.