Ava Grant sipped her glass of sparkling water, her eyes scanning the beautifully decorated backyard.
The pastel colors, the elegant floral arrangements, and the gentle hum of cheerful chatter all screamed Blair Smith—classy yet warm.
Ava had almost declined the invitation but had decided at the last minute that stepping out of her routine wouldn’t hurt.
"Ava!" Blair’s delighted voice called out, pulling her out of her thoughts. Before Ava could react, Blair enveloped her in a tight hug. "You came! Oh my gosh, you have no idea how much this means to me!"
Ava smiled, squeezing her friend back. "Of course, I wouldn’t miss it."
Blair pulled back, beaming. Her pregnancy glow was unmistakable, her happiness radiating through her every move. "I wasn’t sure you’d make it, considering how swamped you’ve been with work."
"It’s been hectic, but I’m glad I came," Ava said, genuinely meaning it.
"Come on, let me introduce you to some people," Blair said, tugging Ava gently toward a small group gathered near the refreshment table. "Oh, and I don’t think you’ve officially met my husband yet."
Blair led her to a tall, well-dressed man with kind eyes. "Ava, this is Matthew. Matthew, this is Ava, my college roommate and one of my dearest friends."
Matthew extended a hand with a warm smile. "It’s great to finally meet you. Blair’s told me a lot about you."
"All good things, I hope," Ava replied with a polite smile as they shook hands.
"Only the best," Matthew assured her.
The conversation flowed easily from there. They chatted about work, New York’s bustling energy, and Blair’s recent move back from LA. Matthew excused himself when another guest called his attention, leaving the two friends to catch up.
"So," Blair began, leaning against the edge of the table, "how’s work? Still running the hospital like a military operation?"
Ava chuckled. "It’s definitely demanding, but I manage. Barely."
"Sounds about right." Blair studied her friend’s face closely. "Are you sure you're coping? You look a little more stressed than usual."
Ava hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "It’s this one resident, Blair. He’s talented, but insufferably arrogant. Always has to challenge me, push my buttons. I’ve never met anyone more aggravating in my entire life."
Blair raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile creeping onto her face. "Sounds like he’s gotten under your skin."
"Only in the most annoying way possible," Ava said quickly. "He’s—ugh, I can’t even explain it. He’s just... impossible."
"Are you sure there’s not a spark there?" Blair asked, her tone light but mischievous.
Ava’s head snapped up, her eyes wide. "What? No! Absolutely not. He’s—" She stopped, struggling to find the right word. "He’s arrogant, egoistic, and infuriating. Definitely not my type."
Blair laughed, clearly enjoying Ava’s reaction. "Okay, okay. I was just teasing. But the way you’re talking about him..." She let the sentence hang, her grin widening.
"Stop it," Ava said, shaking her head. "There’s nothing there. Trust me."
Blair was about to respond when Ava suddenly froze, her body going rigid. Her eyes locked on someone approaching from across the yard, and her face paled slightly.
Blair followed her friend’s gaze, curious about what had caused such a reaction.
"Oh!" Blair exclaimed, waving enthusiastically. "Ethan, over here!"
Ava’s heart sank. No. No way. This couldn’t be happening.
Ethan Clarke, dressed casually yet still managing to look annoyingly confident, strolled toward them with a gift box in hand.
His sharp features softened slightly as he smiled at Blair, but his usual air of smugness was still very much intact.
Ava’s mind raced as she glanced from Blair to Ethan, then back to Blair. "Don’t tell me..." she began, her voice almost a whisper. "Don’t tell me he’s your brother."
Blair laughed, shaking her head. "No, no, nothing like that."
Ava exhaled in relief, but the feeling was short-lived as Blair added with a smile, "He’s my cousin."
Ava’s eyes widened in disbelief. "You’re kidding."
Blair shook her head, her grin growing. "Not at all."
"You mean to tell me," Ava said slowly, pointing a finger at Ethan as he approached, "that this is the Ethan Clarke I was just talking about?"
Blair’s eyes lit up with realization, and she gasped dramatically. "No way! This is the guy you were ranting about?"
Ava nodded, her expression a mix of horror and exasperation.
Blair burst into laughter, clutching her belly as she doubled over. "Oh, this is too good," she managed between fits of giggles.
Ethan finally reached them, his curious gaze flicking between the two women. "What’s so funny?" he asked, his tone casual but laced with amusement.
Ava crossed her arms, glaring at him. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing."
Blair, still laughing, gestured toward Ava. "Ethan, this is my friend Ava. Ava, meet my cousin Ethan."
Ethan’s eyes lit up with recognition, and his trademark smirk appeared. "Dr. Grant," he said, his tone dripping with mock politeness. "What a surprise."