Her Last Name, His Claim

Five years is a long time to be forgotten by the man who once swore you were his everything, I think everyone would agree with me on that.

I was standing in front of the mirror, smoothing down the ruffles of my engagement dress, a shade a little too close to my skin tone, when my phone rang.

Blocked number...

My first thought was to ignore it. The second was to answer because my heart already knew who it was. I hesitated, then picked up.

"Hello?"

A voice I hadn't heard in so long came through the line, deep,smooth and annoyingly familiar

"Still changing your number every year, sweetheart? You were always so good at running and ignoring me."

I froze. Five years. Five long years, and yet his voice still had the power to knock the breath out of me.

"Enzo"

"Still remember my name. That's nice," he said, amused. "So should I send flowers to the engagement party, or would that be inappropriate...since you're still my wife?"

I smiled, "Ex wife"

"Not yet", came his response.

I pulled at the neck of my dress, suddenly short of air. "What do you want?"

He laughed, that low, dangerous kind of laugh that always filled me with dread.

"You know exactly what I want, love."

"We haven't had a relationship in years. You left. We've been separated..."

"I didn't leave. You gave up on us. And separated isn't divorced," he interrupted smoothly.

"Look," I said trying to steady my breathing, " I sent you the divorce papers several times".

"Oh, I got them. I just don't remember agreeing."

That voice...still calm, just as calm as I remember, yet sharp enough to get his point across.

"I don't need your agreement, Enzo. Just your signature".

"Mmm. About that. I've been thinking, Elena." He whispered my name like a secret.

"If you want my signature, you'll have to come see me. Let's discuss it properly."

"I'm not playing your games."

"Who said it was a game?" His voice dipped lower. " You'll come home, Elena. To our home. And we'll talk like adults...about us. About your little wedding plans".

My heart pounded so hard I could feel it in my throat. "Enzo, you can't just barge into my life like this."

"Oh, I can. And I just did. You're still my wife, bearing my name. That gives me certain...rights. Come see me when you're ready to talk."

The line went dead.

I stood there frozen, phone shaking in my hand, heart pounding wildly.

My reflection stared back at me, a woman trying to smile through the wreckage.

Somewhere between the anger and shock, I felt it again... the pull I had spent five years trying to forget.

And just like that, I knew.

Enzo Wayne wasn't just back.

He was coming for me.

I fixed my makeup, forced a smile at the mirror and headed out to the party, my engagement party.

When I opened the door, the first thing I saw was disappointment. Nathan stood there,pain and confusion written all over his face.

"We've been together for eight months," he said, quiet, cold and emotionless "and you didn't think to tell me you're still married?" When were you planning to tell me, Elena? After getting married? After the honeymoon? Or maybe after having kids and your husband shows up to claim you back?"

I looked Nathan in the eye, hoping he could somehow see how much this was killing me. "I'm really sorry, Nathan. I didn't plan for any of this. And... I did tell you I was married"

"Was..Elena. Not still married. You told me you were married and that it ended a long time ago and I just heard you having a "sign the divorce papers" conversation. My God! You're still married to him!" His voice rose like the realization had just hit again.

Yes, I am. And I'm sorry i didn't tell you, it was such a long time ago since we went our separate ways. I just need to get the divorce papers signed, that's all. I'm sorry, Nathan. I pleaded.

Before he could respond, Judy walked in all flustered and bossy, already in full organizer mode. "You two need to get to the party! Everyone's waiting."

Trust Judy to treat event planning like a divine calling.

The chatter hit me first, then the soft music, then a dozen smiling faces. I smiled back as I always do..like my world hadn't just been set on fire by Enzo.

For the rest of the night, I tried to be present, smiling, dancing, pretending. Reminding myself this was my engagement party. That I was moving forward. That Enzo Wayne was in the past.

But no matter how many smiles I forced, his voice kept echoing in my head;

You'll come home, Elena and we'll talk about us.

By the end of the night, I'd made my decision. I was going to see him. I didn't care how, but he was going to sign those papers.

Nathan didn't say a word on our drive home, but as soon as he parked, he stared straight ahead for a while before turning to me.

"Tell me everything," he said quietly. And I did.

All of it.

The love, the neglect, the heartbreak.

When I was done, he sighed. "He's an asshole. You said it yourself..controlling, manipulative. He's trying to mess with you, Elena. You really think meeting him is a good idea? Let the lawyers handle it. And if you must meet with him, I'm coming with you."

"No," I said softly. "He wants control. He wants a reaction. If I show up with you, It'll only give him more power and God knows what else he'll do. I'll deal with him."

Nathan's voice softened. " I still think you shouldn't face him alone."

"I'll be fine. Really. It's time I finish what I started.

He nodded slowly, but I could see the worry in his eyes.

I looked away, clutching my purse a little tighter, my mind already going back. To Enzo's voice, his threats and the sinking feeling that the world I built over five years was about to come crumbling down around me.

Deep down, I knew what Enzo really wanted had nothing to do with divorce papers or closure.

It had everything to do with me.

Almost as if the universe was trying to prove me right, as soon as we got inside and Nathan went to grab a drink, my phone buzzed with a message from none other than Enzo.

"I hope you enjoyed your little party. Remember, sweetheart. I always collect what's mine."

The next morning, I stared at his message again, fingers hovering over the phone.

I wasn't sure if I was angrier that he ruined my night or at the fact that he still had this effect on me after everything.

Finally, I hit the call button.

He answered on the first ring. "Well,that was quick. Miss me already?"

"Don't flatter yourself,"I snapped. "I'm calling because I'm ready to talk. But we're definitely not doing it at your house."

"Why not? Everything I have is yours. It's your house too," he said smoothly.

"It's not. We're meeting somewhere public."

There was a pause, then that laugh, the low one that always meant trouble.

"Public? You think I'm going to throw you on the nearest bed if you come to my house? Or maybe you're not as immune to me as you pretend.

"For a billionaire, you're such an idiot. Believe what you want, but we're meeting in public."

"You think I need a crowd to behave?"

"Just agree, Enzo."

He sighed. "Fine, We'll meet in public. I'll pick the place. But don't expect me to be nice, sweetheart. I mean, you're trying to marry someone else when you're still married to me."

Before I could respond, he hung up.

The cafe was too quiet for the way my heart was beating. Or maybe it was my heart beating too fast. I couldn't tell.

All I knew was that I could hear it, loud and clear, over the soft jazz playing in the background.

I sat by the window, holding a cup of tea that had gone cold, pretending to be calm. Five years was supposed to be enough time to bury the past.

It wasn't.

He chose this place. Of course he did...Perfect decor, soft jazz, impeccable service and a view of the city he practically owned now.

The perfect stage for Enzo Wayne.

When he finally walked in, half the women in the room turned to look at him. He didn't have to speak, his presence alone commanded attention. Five years hadn't aged him. Same broad shoulders, same dark hair, same intense eyes that made you feel like he could see into your soul.

"You look beautiful, Elena."

How is it that my name in his mouth still did strange things to me.

"You got my lawyer's letters," I said, going straight to business. "But just in case you didn't, I brought the papers." I lifted them slightly. "I need your signature."

He didn't even sit. "I got them".

"And?"

He finally sat across from me, leaning back, unbothered, acting like he had all the time in the world. Maybe he did. Billionaires can buy time.

"This isn't a joke, Enzo" I said. "It's been five years."

"And yet here you are," he murmured. "Still my wife."

"Not for long."

He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, his voice dropping low.

"You want a divorce? Fine. After you give me what's mine."

"What's yours?" I repeated, stunned.

"Closure," he said first. "After five years of silence. My wife vanished. You owe me an ending that means something."

" And a child," he added quietly. "My heir."

I froze. "Are you insane?" I yelled before remembering where we were. A few people looked our way.

"Sometimes, especially when it has to do with you. But I'm also really patient," he said.

He smiled. "I waited five years. You left before our story was finished. I'm just asking for the ending I deserve."

"You deserve a court date," I snapped, standing. "And a therapist, because clearly, you need help."

He smiled again, clearly trying to get on my nerves. "I'm not fighting you, Elena. I don't understand why you're so agitated."

"You can't be serious," I said, " I'm marrying someone else."

"Go ahead and marry him if you want, sweetheart," he shrugged, casual as always. "But remember, it's a crime to marry when you're already married to someone else. I'll just sue both of you to death."

For a moment, I felt like I was choking. I forgot how to breathe.

"Don't you think it's easier on everyone if you just call off the engagement?" he said softly. "Stop stringing the poor guy along. You belong with me. And that ring..."

He glanced at my hand, smirking.

"The guy can't even take care of you. Look at that awful ring. I gave you a better one when I was dirt poor."

"Shut up about my ring. I love it."

My voice came out sharper than intended. My hands were shaking, but I wouldn't let him see it. He's arrogant enough as it is.

"Enzo smiled, clearly amused by my outburst. "Notice how you missed the chance to say you love him."

"You're unbelievable."

"I'm honest," he replied, leaning forward. "You used to love that about me."

"I used to love a lot of things about you," I said quietly. "Doesn't mean I still do."

"I've always been able to tell when you're lying, Elena. Your eyes tell a different story even though you're trying to make me believe you hate me."

I couldn't sit here with him any longer without causing him bodily harm, so I pushed the papers toward him. "Just sign the damn papers, Enzo."

He smirked.Then picked them up slowly and tore them one by one, his eyes locked on mine.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Enzo? Now listen..."

"No," he cut in. "You listen."

He leaned in close, his breath brushing my cheek. "We'll do this my way."

He paused, then said, "if you need me to sign it that badly, then you're going to play by my rules. Do as I say, and I just might sign it. I'm going to enjoy this."

This man really does bring out the ghetto in me.

I grabbed the coffee, and for a wild second considered throwing it in his stupid, smug face. But I stopped myself.

He wasn't worth me loosing my cool, even though I knew how good it would feel.

Instead, I stood, slightly shaking, furious. "You're pathetic," I said quietly. "And I pity you."

I walked out before he could reply, my heels clicking against the tile.

The soft jazz drifted behind me, the world around me moving on. A waiter passed me by. Everything perfectly normal.

Except me.

Except my world, currently being turned upside down by Enzo.

In that moment, I wasn't sure who to direct my anger at, Enzo, for holding me hostage in the past when I'm trying so hard to break free, or myself, for still caring at all.

The morning light streamed through the windows of Maplewood Town Library, warm and golden.

Rows of shelves arranged neatly, the faint smell of books, old and new and clean polish hanging in the air,

It was quiet, peaceful, the kind of peace I built my life around. My perfect, happy place.

I adjusted a stack of children's books on the table for the weekend's reading event, humming along to the soft music in my headset. For a while, it almost felt like yesterday and the past week didn't happen.

"Excuse me," a voice said behind me.

I turned to see Maya from the front desk, pointing toward the hallway. "Someone's here asking for you."

I frowned. "Who?"

Before she could answer, I saw him..tall, confident, and so out of place among the rows of bookshelves.

Just my rotten luck.

The devil found his way into my sanctuary.

"You're stalking me now?" I asked, crossing my arms.

Enzo's lips twitched. "You always did look good surrounded by books."

"Don't start." I turned back to the table to pick up the next stack of books going on the shelf. "If you're here to finish tearing things up, the trash can's over there.

He chuckled softly. "You look beautiful and that top is doing such wonderful things to your...

I cut him off. "Shut up. Sign the papers, Enzo. Then leave."

He didn't reply immediately. Instead, his tone softened, unexpected. "You really got your dream job, huh? I remember how you used to talk my ears off about those novels you're always reading. About wanting to work in a library, helping kids fall in love with books."

That stopped me for a moment. I hated that he remembered. That tiny flicker of tenderness hurt more than the fight yesterday.

"Don't," I said quietly. "Don't pretend you care."

"I'm not pretending," he said. "I came to apologize. For yesterday."

"You came all the way for that? You could've texted."

"I don't live far." His eyes held mine. "I bought a house nearby."

I looked up sharply. "You're moving back here?"

"Already did." he said.

Before I could answer, my phone buzzed on the desk. Nathan's name lit up the screen.

"Hey babe," I answered, forcing my voice to sound steady. "Yeah, I'm at work. That would be nice. Mm hmm. I love you too."

When I hung up, Enzo's expression had changed. The softness was gone, replaced by that cold, unreadable mask I knew too well.

Without another word, he turned and walked out.

For a moment, I stood there, phone still in my hand, wondering what just happened.

Then I took a deep breath, straightened the books again and whispered to no one in particular,

"He's not going to win this time. I don't care how he feels."

It had been a week since I'd seen Enzo, a whole blissful, glorious week. Not a single text, call or unwanted visit at the library.

I started to think maybe he meant what he said at the library, maybe the apology was real. Maybe Enzo had finally decided to let me go. It didn't matter, I was just glad.

But I also couldn't stop thinking. Maybe something happened. How was it possible that I hadn't seen him around town, even though he told me he bought a house here? Maybe he really was gone for good.

That was a nice thought.

I stood by my bedroom window, brushing my hair, smiling to myself.

Nathan had texted me half a dozen reminders about tonight, he wanted us to try out a new place that just opened. Nothing fancy, he said. Just dinner and some quality time.

I told myself that was all I needed right now. Laughter, peace and someone who didn't make my heart feel like it was always running a race. Not someone whose very presence made me act wild and reckless.

By the time Nathan picked me up, I was determined to have a good night. No tension, no secret, no dark haired, suit wearing man from the past. Just dinner with the man I loved.

The restaurant was elegant, all glass, filled with so many plants it felt like a garden, soft lighting, jazz playing low in the background and cute little lights on each table. In that moment, I realized why Nathan was so excited to come here. I couldn't wait to try the food.

When Nathan reached for my hand across the table, brushing his thumb over mine, I smiled.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" he said. "Just us."

"Yeah," I replied, still smiling. "Just us. And this place is so beautiful. I love it, we totally have to come again."

"I'm glad you like it, I knew you'd enjoy the garden vibe they've got going on," he replied, smiling that half smile that made his dimple pop.

All seemed well in the universe in that perfect moment.

Until it wasn't.

I caught his scent before I even saw him seconds later. It felt like someone pressed an invisible hand against my ribs, stealing half the air from my lungs. How was he still using the same perfume after all these years? It's strange how a memory can hit you out of nowhere, just because of a perfume. How something so small could drag you years back in seconds. It was unfair how memory worked, it didn't ask for permission before hitting you in the chest.

For a second, the restaurant blurred around me, replaced by another night, another table, his hand covering mine as we planned a future that burned out too fast.

And there he was, tall, composed, smirking, walking straight towards our table.

He was dressed in gray shirt, no tie, top button undone. He looked like he just stepped out of a Vogue magazine, moving like he owned the place. I reminded myself I hated him and had to stop looking.

Too late. Nathan followed my gaze.

"Elena?"

Before I could answer, Enzo stopped beside our table. "Elena," he said smoothly, his voice deep enough to draw glances from nearby tables. "Looking beautiful tonight, as always."

Of course,

Of all the restaurants in the city.

"Hi," I replied, forcing my face to remain neutral, trying not to show how much I wanted to kick him in the nuts right now, standing there looking smug. "You're... uh, you're here."

"Clearly." he said, a hint of amusement on his face.

Well, at least one of us finds this funny.

Nathan stood, extending a hand to him. "Hi, I'm Nathan Osborne. Elena's fiance."

For a split second, I thought I saw something in Enzo's eyes, but it passed so fast I couldn't tell what it was. Then he smiled, shook Nathan's hand firmly and said, "Enzo Wayne. Elena's husband."

The silence felt loud, even the jazz sounded so faraway, as if the entire restaurant paused to listen. The words landed like a punch.

I could see Nathan's body go rigid, his jaw tighten. Now would be a prefect time for the ground to open up so I could disappear quietly. I felt awful. Nathan didn't deserve any of this.

Enzo released Nathan's hand as if nothing had happened. "Didn't mean to intrude," he said. " I just saw my wife across the room and she looked stunning. I thought I should say hello. It's not a crime to talk to my wife, is it?"

Oh, Lord. He just had to go there, he was really asking for it.

"Enzo," I said quietly. "We're here on a date and would like to be alone. I'd appreciate it if you'd..."

"Of course," he cut in, the smile gone. "Enjoy dinner with your friend." He said, then turned to leave.

As if that wasn't enough, halfway to the VIP section, he looked back.

"Oh, and in case you were wondering," he added casually, "I'm just having a business dinner with those two gentlemen over there. So you don't assume I'm with a woman."

Then he winked, actually winked.

He walked away, calmly, like he hadn't just blown up my night.

Nathan sat quietly, looking at his empty glass of wine. When he finally spoke, I could hear the anger in his voice.

"Your ex is Enzo Wayne?

I nodded slowly. I hated the guilt I felt, like I'd just been caught doing something wrong even though I hadn't done anything at all.

"As in the Enzo Wayne of Wayne Industries?" His voice rose. "And you didn't think that was worth mentioning?"

"I can't even refer to him as your ex," he went on. "He's still your husband."

"Nathan, please. It wasn't...

"It was," he cut in. "That man just walked up here, called you his wife and you didn't even flinch. He clearly has no intention of signing those divorce papers, Elena. You really think this is over?"

"I'm sorry." I replied shakily. "I didn't want you to..."

"To what?" Nathan's eyes were full of hurt. "Feel like I'm being toyed with by some billionaire who thinks this is a game?"

I reached for his hand, but he pulled it back. The rejection hurt so bad, like a slap across the face.

"I just..." I exhaled loudly. "I didn't want him to be part of my life anymore. I didn't want him to define us."

Nathan laughed bitterly. "Well, too late. From what I just saw, he's not signing those papers anytime soon. He's enjoying this way too much, making me look like a fool."

"I love you." I said quietly. "He doesn't matter. He just... enjoys getting under my skin. That's all."

"Yeah, well, he's doing a damn good job."

"It's only a matter of time before he's out of our lives for good, I promise. Let's just go, okay? We can get out of here."

Nathan looked at me like he didn't believe a word before nodding.

As we got up to leave, I glanced across the restaurant. Enzo was at his table, leaning back, toying with his wineglass and looking right at me. I had a feeling he'd been watching me the whole time.

And when he raised his glass slightly, like a toast, I knew exactly what it meant.

Round one was over.

And he won this round.