Clara's carefully curated selection of candid photos from the family weekend was a hit, with society pages gushing over our dreamy engagement. She shuffled through a stack of print-outs in our publicity meeting, exclaiming, "You two are a sensation! Those family photos? Pure gold."

I managed a tight smile, ignoring the press of James's thigh against mine under the table. Memories of our passionate affair in Scotland were still fresh, making it difficult to focus on Clara's enthusiastic chatter. Politely, I thanked her and added that the weekend had achieved the desired effect.

Clara hesitated before mentioning a minor issue - some unsavoury comments on social media, likely from James's jealous exes. She advised me not to pay them any mind, but my curiosity was piqued.

After the meeting, I scrolled through the comments on online publications, my frown deepening with each snide remark. "Guess the Ice Queen finally melted," one read. "Wonder what she did to tie him down. Probably got knocked up," sneered another. The most cutting one: "Enjoy it while it lasts, honey. A leopard doesn't change its spots..."

Anger and humiliation rose within me. These petty, venomous women knew nothing about me, yet here they were, trying to bring me down. It made my blood boil.

Just as I was about to toss my phone aside in disgust, a text from Katherine popped up, instantly lifting my mood. "Still on for our Selfridge's spree this weekend? I need a killer dress for the reunion!" I quickly confirmed, determined to put the toxic comments out of my mind.

✦﹒✦﹒✦

At the entrance to Selfridge's, Katherine was practically vibrating with excitement, her red curls bouncing as she grabbed my arm. "I'm so ready for this," she declared, linking her arm through mine. "We're going to be the hottest things at that reunion!"

We spent hours sipping champagne in the luxurious changing rooms, combing through racks of designer dresses as we modelled look after look. Kat selected a slinky black number that perfectly complimented her fiery locks, while I chose a navy blue gown with embroidery and a daringly low back, the rich hue making my skin glow.

Katherine couldn't resist a playful jab as we made our way to the register. "James won't be able to keep his hands off you in that." I shook my head, reminding her, "This is about us, Kat. Reliving our 'glory days'." She snorted, "Glory days? You mean the days of cram sessions and cheap vodka?" But her eyes were soft, misty with nostalgia.

Over dinner at a cosy Italian bistro, Katherine fixed me with a searching look as our plates were cleared away. "In all seriousness, though, Nor, how are you doing? With the wedding and everything?" I sighed, swirling the last of my wine. "I'm managing," I said carefully. "It's a lot, but it's necessary. I keep reminding myself that it's temporary."

Reaching across the table to squeeze my hand, Katherine reassured me, "I'm here for you. Whenever you need to vent or just escape for a while. Don't let this thing with James consume you." Blinking away the sudden sting of tears, I squeezed back. "Thanks, Kat. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Later that night, I found James hunched over his laptop at the kitchen island. As I entered, he glanced up, his eyes widening appreciatively at my Selfridge's bags. "Productive day?" he smirked. Shrugging, I set the bags down and moved to pour a glass of water. "Katherine and I did some shopping for the reunion."

His smirk faded into a frown. "Reunion?" I arched a brow, reminding him, "The university alumni reunion. I told you about it weeks ago." Rubbing the back of his neck, he looked chastened. "Right, of course. It must have slipped my mind with everything else going on."

Fighting back a caustic retort, I crisply informed him, "Well, consider this your official reminder. It's next Friday. Black tie. I trust you have a tux." He waved a dismissive hand. "Of course. I'll have my assistant clear my schedule." Then, uncharacteristically uncertain, he hesitated. "Will you... I mean, did you want to go together?"

Biting my lip, I considered. Part of me wanted to separate this part of my life and keep it untainted by our charade. But I knew it would look strange to arrive separately, given our newly engaged status. "We can travel together," I allowed. "But I won't be joined at your hip all night. This is my chance to catch up with old friends, not play your perfect fiancee."

Holding up his hands in surrender, James agreed, "Understood. I'll be on my best behaviour." I felt a flicker of guilt at the wounded look in his eyes but pushed it aside. I needed this night to remember who I was outside of being James Maeers' bride.

With a final nod, I gathered my bags and headed upstairs, saying goodnight over my shoulder.

✦﹒✦﹒✦

I took the day off work to leisurely get ready, soaking in a scented bath before slipping into my navy dress. I took my time with my hair and makeup, relishing the rare opportunity to indulge my more glamorous side.

By the time James knocked on my bedroom door, looking devastating in his tuxedo, I felt like a new woman—confident, radiant, and ready to take on the world.

The drive to the Ritz passed in companionable silence, the city lights blurring past the window. When we pulled up to the hotel entrance, James turned to me, his expression serious.

"I'll be close if you need me."

I felt a rush of gratitude for his uncharacteristic thoughtfulness. I nodded, not trusting my voice. Then, with a deep breath, I stepped out of the car and into the crisp night air.

When we entered, the ballroom was already buzzing with activity, the air thick with excited chatter and clinking glasses. I scanned the room, my heart leaping as I spotted a familiar redhead.

"Kat!" I called, weaving through the crowd.

Katherine turned, her face splitting into a grin. "Nor! You made it!"

I linked my arm through Katherine's. "Lead the way. I'm dying for a drink and some of those bacon-wrapped dates."

As we made our way to the bar, I relaxed, slipping back into my casual persona. Katherine and I sipped champagne and nibbled on hors d'oeuvres, giggling as we pointed out former classmates and reminisced about old inside jokes.

We finished our second glass when a commotion near the entrance caught our attention. A gaggle of women were clustered around a tall figure, their shrill laughter and flirtatious touches leaving little doubt about their intentions.

Katherine craned her neck, trying to get a better look. "Who's the poor guy they're mauling?"

But I had already recognized him, my heart seeming to stutter and restart in double time. Elliot. My Elliot.

He looked good. Really good. His dark hair was artfully tousled, his green eyes glinting under the ballroom lights. He was broader than I remembered, his shoulders straining against the fabric of his impeccably tailored suit. His neck tattoo peeked from under his shirt. And when he smiled, that dazzling spread of his lips, I felt a rush of heat that had nothing to do with the champagne.

Elliot looked up as if sensing my gaze, our eyes locking across the crowded room. The rest of the world seemed to fade away momentarily, narrowing to the charged space between us.

Then, with a polite nod to his admirers, Elliot made his way towards me, his strides purposeful. I watched, transfixed, as he closed the distance, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Noreen," he said when he reached me, his voice warm and achingly familiar. "It's been far too long."

Behind me, I could sense Katherine quietly slipping away, giving us privacy. I made a mental note to thank my friend later, even as my pulse raced at Elliot's proximity.

"Elliot," I breathed. "I didn't know you were back in London."

He smiled, the dimples on his cheeks melting me. "Just moved back last month. When I heard about the reunion, I knew I had to come... and see you."

His eyes drifted over me appreciatively, his gaze almost a physical caress. "You look incredible, Nor. Even more beautiful than I remembered."

I felt a blush stain my cheeks, a giddy rush of pleasure at his open admiration. I had forgotten how direct Elliot could be, how unabashedly he expressed his desires.

I was just about to reply, to ask him about his time abroad and what had brought him back, when a strong arm encircled my waist from behind, the solid heat of a male body pressing against my back. I stiffened, even as a familiar woodsy scent filled my nostrils.

I didn't know whether to be annoyed or relieved by his sudden appearance.

"James," I said evenly, not taking my eyes off Elliot. "I'd like you to meet Elliot, an old... friend from university."

Elliot's eyes flicked to James, taking in the possessive set of his arm around me, the hard line of his jaw. Something like understanding dawned in those green depths, mixed with a flash of disappointment.

"Ah yes," Elliot said, carefully recognizing James. "The fiancé. Congratulations are in order, I believe."

James's grip on me tightened infinitesimally. "Thank you," he said, his tone clipped.

An awkward silence descended, heavy with unspoken history and fresh tension. My mind raced, searching to diffuse the sudden strain.

But before I could find the words, James was steering me away, murmuring an excuse about needing to greet another old classmate. I could only shoot Elliot an apologetic glance over my shoulder as I was led off, my skin burning under James's proprietary touch.

My emotions swirled as we moved through the crowd, a dizzying mix of frustration, confusion, and aching longing. Seeing Elliot again after all these years had reopened a door I thought long closed, stirring up feelings I wasn't entirely prepared to face.

And James. His reaction to Elliot unnerved me. Jealousy and possessiveness—these messy, complicated emotions had no place in our carefully constructed deception.

But as James's hand remained firmly at my waist, as he whisked me away, I felt a rising tide of annoyance. He had promised to give me this night to enjoy the reunion without his constant interference. Yet at the first sight of Elliot, he had gone full caveman, staking his claim like I was a piece of property.

I stopped and pulled James out onto the balcony, needing privacy for the conversation ahead. The chilly night air was a balm to my flushed skin as I turned to face him, arms crossed.

"What was that about?" I demanded, not bothering to hide my irritation.

James's jaw clenched, his eyes flashing. "Right back at you. What was that? You were melting under that guy's gaze."

I scoffed. "You said you'd give me space tonight."

James ran a hand through his hair, frustration rolling off him in waves. "I know what I said. But seeing you, the way he was looking at you. And you at him... we have an image to maintain. What will people think if my fiancée is off canoodling with her ex?"

I bristled at the accusation. "Canoodling? We were just talking, James. Catching up. Elliot is an old friend, nothing more."

Even as the words left my mouth, I knew they weren't entirely true. Seeing Elliot again had awakened something in me, a flutter of old feelings long buried. But I wasn't about to admit that to James.

James sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I just... I don't trust him, Noreen."

I softened slightly at the genuine concern in his voice. I reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "I'm a big girl, James. I can handle myself. Please, just let me have tonight. Let me reconnect with my old life without the weight of our arrangement hanging over me."

James was silent for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, reluctantly, he nodded. "Okay. I'll back off. But I'll be keeping an eye on things. I won't let anything jeopardize what we've built."

I bit back a retort, knowing it was the best concession I would likely get. With a curt nod, I turned and headed back inside, not waiting to see if James followed.

Katherine was at my side when I re-entered the ballroom, green eyes sparkling with mischief. "Spill," she demanded, linking her arm through mine and steering me towards the dining room. "I want every juicy detail about that little reunion with Lover Boy."

I flushed, glancing around to ensure we were out of earshot. "It was... intense," I admitted. "Seeing Elliot again, after all this time... Kat, he's like a fine wine. Just gets better with age."

Katherine threw her head back, laughing. "And you do love your wine! I get it. He's a snack and a half."

As we approached the dining tables, Katherine gave me a sly grin. "Brace yourself, babe. Looks like you're seated at Elliot's table. And James is waaaay on the other side of the room. Fate works in mysterious ways..."

My heart leapt at the news, even as a tendril of guilt curled in my stomach. This was supposed to be a night of catching up with old friends, not flirting with my ex. But as I slid into my seat, Elliot's warm gaze meeting mine, I couldn't find it in myself to care.

Dinner passed in a whirl of laughter and reminiscing, the conversation flowing as quickly as the wine. I found myself hanging on Elliot's every word as he told me about his work as a lawyer and the interesting cases he'd taken on. He listened as raptly as I filled him in on Hunter Corp's success, pride shining in his eyes.

All the while, I could feel James's gaze burning into me from across the room, his displeasure almost tangible. But I resolutely ignored it, focusing instead on the man in front of me, who looked at me like I hung the moon.

As the final course was cleared away and music began to swell, Katherine appeared at my elbow, a wicked gleam in her eye.

"Come on," she said, tugging me to my feet. "Let's show them how it's done."

I laughed, allowing myself to be pulled onto the dance floor. Katherine and I moved recklessly, our bodies swaying to the pulsing beat. For those few precious minutes, I forgot about the fake engagement and the media circus surrounding it.

From the corner of my eye, I could see James nursing a drink at the bar, his gaze never leaving me. But for once, I didn't feel the weight of his expectations, the pressure to play a role. Tonight, I was simply Noreen. And I was determined to enjoy every second of it.

As the night wore on, the tension between Elliot and I seemed to crackle like a live wire. Every stolen glance, every whispered word, was charged with unspoken history and simmering emotion.

As I spun and swayed on the dance floor, I could feel Elliot's eyes on me not so far away, the weight of his gaze blooming something profound in my core. When the song ended, he was at my side, his hand outstretched.

"Dance with me?" he asked, his voice low and intimate, filled with longing.

I hesitated, memories of stolen kisses and whispered promises flashing through my mind. Being in Elliot's arms again would make it easy for me to get lost in the past, to forget about the present and all its complications.

But then my eyes met James's across the room, the intensity in his gaze catching my breath. He was watching me, his expression unreadable. But I could sense the tension radiating off him, the barely restrained jealousy simmering beneath the surface.

I swallowed hard, my heart torn by my feelings for Elliot, which demanded acknowledgement. Slowly, regretfully, I shook my head, pulling my hand back. "I'm sorry, Elliot. I can't."

Hurt flashed in Elliot's eyes, quickly masked. He nodded, stepping back. "Of course. I understand."

But I could see that he didn't, not really. And how could he? All he saw was the girl he once loved slipping away from him.

My chest ached, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. I needed air, needed space. With a murmured excuse, I slipped away from the crowd, finding a secluded corner of the venue, away from prying eyes.

But Elliot followed, his footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway. I turned my heart in my throat. "Elliot, please. I'm engaged..." I knew I couldn't keep leading Elliot on, not with my business deal with James. I had to stop these old, resurfacing feelings, but it hurt more than I thought.

He stepped closer, his eyes searching mine, a desperate longing in his gaze. "I know... but I am not the only one feeling the pull of what we once had. I see it in your smile, how you look at me and try to forcefully avoid me..." He moved closer, his breath whispering down my ear. "Am I wrong? Am I imagining?"

Tears escaped, trailing down my cheek. "No..." My voice trembled. "You were my world, my everything..." I whispered, looking up to meet those beautiful eyes I terribly missed. "Y-You were the love of my life, El. When you left me, it broke me." My voice cracked with emotion. "I would've given you forever, I still would..." I smiled wryly. "But I can't, as much as it pains me."

Elliot's hand came up, gently wiping away the tears, his touch lingering on my skin. "I never wanted to leave you, Nor. It killed me, walking away from what we had. If I could go back..."

"But we can't go back," I interrupted, my voice thick. "As much as we wish we could. Besides, we're not the same people we were then. Life has taken us down different paths, away from each other." I took a deep, steady breath, a sob escaping me. Elliot rested his hands on my shoulders, trying to steady me. "It hurts, El. But it's the harsh truth: This is not the time nor place for us..."

Elliot's eyes shone with a mixture of sadness and understanding. "I know." He glanced toward the ballroom in silent question, where James was undoubtedly waiting. "Our timing is terrible..." He tried to lighten the mood.

I followed his gaze, my heart clenching. "It's complicated, El, " If only you'd arrived a few months earlier..., I thought.

"Isn't it always?" Elliot smiled ruefully. "I just... I need you to know that what we had was real. And a part of me will always love you, Noreen. No matter where life takes us."

My breath hitched, and a fresh wave of tears threatened to spill over. "I'll always love you too, Elliot. You were my first love, and that will stay with me forever."

"Is it wishful thinking to hope...that maybe a couple of years from now, we might have a second chance. If not, maybe in another lifetime. Maybe then we will be together..." Elliot's voice was soft.

I gave him a sad smile. I was never one to believe in second lifes, but I indulged him. "Maybe, who knows... But for now, we have to let each other go. I wish things were different..."

I trailed off, the unspoken hanging heavy in the air between us. The missed chances, the could-have-been, the cruel twists of fate that had brought us together only to tear us apart again.

Unable to resist the longing, the burning love still alive, I leaned in, my lips meeting Elliot's in a kiss filled with all the happy memories we shared, the heartbreak, yearning, longing, and the lost years. We clung to each other in a desperate dance, pouring every unspoken word and shattered dream into that perfect, painful moment.

When we finally broke apart, we stayed close, foreheads touching as we caught our breath. We did not wish to part ways, knowing that would be the end of what we had once meant to one another, the end of our dreams together, the definite end of the bond we had held onto all these years.

"Friends?" Elliot whispered, his voice raw.

"Always," I promised, meaning it with every fibre of my being.

We parted ways with one last lingering look and one last brush of fingers against tear-stained cheeks. I squared my shoulders, went to the powder room to fix my make up and prepared myself to rejoin the party and the man waiting for me there.

But even as I walked away, I could feel a piece of my heart remained in that quiet hallway, forever entwined with the boy I had once dreamed of forever with.