Chapter 1 I'm Dayna's Husband

"Did you know Michael came back to town?" asked the woman beside Dayna Clarke, her smile gleaming in the restaurant's private room.

The evening had started light, just a bunch of college friends catching up. The room had felt full of laughter until the woman mentioned Michael Barnett. The energy drained at once. Suddenly, every gaze landed on Dayna, curious and expectant.

Dayna sat among them, her presence almost glowing beneath the overhead lights.

She raised her glass, voice calm. "I didn't hear about it."

A different friend leaned forward. "You two were joined at the hip. We all thought you'd be together for good. It's wild you ended up with someone else. Michael's running Apex Entertainment now. Ever wonder if you made the wrong choice?"

Another woman laughed. "Your husband's got money, but come on-Michael's on another level. Nobody forgets their first love."

Laughter spread around the table.

With the wine settling in, Dayna felt a bit dizzy. The conversation was starting to wear her out. She grabbed her purse and stood. "You all keep going. I need some air."

"Heading home already? Afraid your husband's going to call?"

As two men stepped in, Dayna glanced up. She caught sight of Michael in the back.

Three years had gone by. He wore a sharp black suit now, which made him look even more imposing. His eyes found hers right away.

The first voice belonged to Louis Gilbert, Michael's old roommate.

When Michael showed up, every woman in the room seemed to sit up a little straighter. He was the campus star years ago, and not much had changed.

Louis tilted his head toward Dayna, a trace of ridicule flashing across his face as his mouth twisted. "Why don't you call your husband over? He can sit with us."

"He's on a business trip. I should head out anyway," Dayna replied. She did not spare Michael a glance. After giving Louis a brief, courteous nod, she turned and walked away.

Once she disappeared, Louis leaned closer to Michael and scoffed, "Did you see that? She won't even look at you. She ditched you for a richer guy back then. Someone like her has no business showing up here."

Michael stayed silent. Without a word, he pivoted and followed the path Dayna had taken.

Caught off guard, Louis stared after him. "Hey. Where are you going?"

Outside the elevator, Dayna moved toward the main entrance, heels clicking against the floor.

"Dayna." Michael suddenly stepped into her path and seized her arm. "You're running the second you see me. What's wrong? Feeling ashamed?"

The force of his grip made her sway. She regained her balance, lifted her eyes to his, and spoke flatly. "Let go of me."

He ignored her. Instead, he yanked her closer and used his height to block her escape. "You left me to marry him, yet he can't even afford decent jewelry for you. Is this really the life you wanted?"

"My choices don't concern you," Dayna shot back. She twisted her arm hard, trying to wrench free.

They were still locked in that tense struggle near the entrance when a black Lamborghini slid to a stop beside them.

The license plate registered in Dayna's mind instantly, and a flash of recognition crossed her face.

As he picked up on her reaction, Michael's gaze shifted in the same direction, his expression turning stormy.

From the car, a tall man stepped into view. His arrival brought a chill to the warm evening, commanding everyone's attention.

In one swift movement, Dayna freed herself from Michael's grip and hurried over. "You told me you wouldn't be back until tomorrow night."

Vincent Clarke, her husband, closed the distance in a heartbeat, settling an arm around her waist as though it belonged there. "Wrapped things up sooner than planned," he replied, his words carrying that familiar, steady confidence. "I wanted to come home early."

The sight of Dayna so comfortable in Vincent's arms made something flicker behind Michael's eyes.

Turning at last to Michael, Vincent took stock of the man before him, but he spoke to Dayna. "Someone you went to school with?"

A pause followed as Dayna processed the question. She managed a nod, feeling the tension in the air grow heavier. He already knew about her history with Michael, and that only added to the awkwardness.

Vincent acknowledged Michael with a measured nod, then faced him directly. "I'm Dayna's husband. Good to meet you."