Avery Kane Deveraux sat across from Ryan Hayes in the charming corner of the restaurant, laughing at one of his witty comments. The warm ambiance, soft jazz music, and delicious food had made this lunch date feel like a much-needed escape from her otherwise hectic life.
“You seriously thought The Notebook was overrated?” Avery asked, smirking as she leaned forward.
Ryan chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just saying, it’s unrealistic! Who builds a house for someone who ghosted them for years?”
“It’s called romance,” Avery retorted, shaking her head. “Clearly, you’ve been watching the wrong movies.”
“Well, next time, I’ll let you pick the movie,” Ryan said with a grin.
Their conversation flowed easily, the laughter between them building a light, comfortable atmosphere. Avery found herself enjoying Ryan’s company more than she’d expected—his humor, his stories, the way he seemed to genuinely care about what she had to say.
The waiter approached with their dessert—an intricately plated tiramisu that looked almost too beautiful to eat.
“Wow,” Avery said, her eyes lighting up. “That’s almost a work of art.”
“Almost,” Ryan agreed, handing her a spoon. “But not enough to stop us from eating it.”
Just as Avery was about to take her first bite, a familiar voice cut through the air.
“Well, well. Isn’t this cozy?”
Avery froze, her hand tightening around her spoon. She turned to see Ji-Yeon standing beside their table, her perfectly styled black hair cascading over her shoulders and her designer ensemble making her look like she had just stepped off a runway.
“Ji-Yeon,” Ryan said flatly, setting down his spoon.
Ji-Yeon’s smile didn’t waver as she looked between the two of them. “What a coincidence. Running into you here, of all places.”
“It’s not a coincidence,” Avery said, her tone sharp but controlled. “You saw us when you walked in.”
Ji-Yeon tilted her head, her gaze lingering on Avery for a moment before shifting to Ryan. “You’re right, Avery. I did. And I just couldn’t resist saying hello to my old friend.”
Ryan’s jaw tightened, his hazel eyes flashing with irritation. “Ji-Yeon, we’re in the middle of something. Can we talk another time?”
“Oh, come on,” Ji-Yeon said, her voice light but laced with a hint of mockery. “Don’t be so tense. I’m just being friendly. Besides, this place brings back memories, doesn’t it? We used to come to spots like this all the time in Korea.”
Avery felt her chest tighten. She forced a polite smile, but her discomfort was clear. “That’s nice, but maybe we should let Ryan create new memories now.”
Ji-Yeon raised an eyebrow, as if Avery’s comment amused her. “Of course. Ryan’s always been good at moving on. But I can’t help wondering—shouldn’t he let you experience something new? You know, broaden your horizons?”
Ryan’s face darkened, his easygoing demeanor replaced by a visible frustration. “Ji-Yeon, this isn’t your business. Stop.”
But Ji-Yeon wasn’t done. She turned her attention fully to Avery, her smile as sharp as a blade. “Don’t take it personally, Avery. You look good with him. Much better than I expected, actually.”
Avery felt the heat rise to her face, her earlier ease replaced by a swirl of embarrassment and irritation. She glanced at Ryan, who was visibly struggling to contain his anger.
“Ji-Yeon,” he said through gritted teeth, “we are over. I’ve made that clear. What I do, who I spend my time with—it’s none of your concern.”
Ji-Yeon’s smile faltered for a split second before she regained her composure. “Oh, Ryan. You used to be so much fun.”
Before either Avery or Ryan could respond, Ji-Yeon reached for the glass of orange juice on the table. With a swift motion, she threw the contents at Ryan, the liquid splashing across his shirt and blazer. Gasps rippled through the nearby tables as patrons turned to watch the scene unfold.
“Maybe you’ll remember this next time you think about replacing me,” Ji-Yeon said, her voice dripping with venom.
Ryan stood, his posture stiff as he grabbed a napkin to dab at his soaked shirt. “You need to leave, Ji-Yeon. Now.”
Ji-Yeon smirked, her heels clicking against the floor as she turned and walked away, her dramatic exit leaving an air of stunned silence in her wake.