𝘎𝘭𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 // 𝘎𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘱 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘙𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘵

𝒯𝓌𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓎 𝒯𝒽𝓇𝑒𝑒

The next night, the energy at the New Year's Eve party was buzzing, a mixture of excitement and anticipation as everyone prepared to leave the year behind. The sprawling penthouse was packed, the lights dimmed to a warm glow, and the sound of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air. Max stood near the bar, his eyes scanning the crowd, his mind set on finding Talia. After the way things had ended last night, he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd finally crossed a line, that he'd finally let her slip away for good. But tonight, he was determined to make things right.

He spotted her across the room, laughing with Audrey and Cassie, and his chest tightened. She looked stunning, her hair falling loosely over her shoulders, and for a moment, he felt the urge to walk over, pull her into his arms, and apologize right there in front of everyone. But as he took a step forward, he noticed someone else heading toward her.

Theodore.

Tall, composed, with a confidence that practically radiated from him, Theodore was impossible to miss. He wore a sleek black suit that looked tailored just for him, and he moved with the ease of someone who'd spent his entire life in rooms like these. Max watched as he reached Talia's side, and her face lit up in surprise, her cheeks flushing as Theodore greeted her with an easy smile.

"Did you know Theodore was back in town?" Aki asked, suddenly appearing beside Max. His tone was casual, but Max could tell he was gauging his reaction.

Max swallowed, forcing himself to stay calm. "Didn't realize he was coming tonight."

Aki nodded, his gaze shifting to where Talia and Theodore were standing. "My dad's been pushing for them to reconnect, you know. He's been saying for years that Talia and Theodore would make the perfect couple. Two people with that kind of money, that kind of background..." He trailed off, giving Max a sympathetic glance. "You know how it is. They'd be a power couple. Practically royalty in this town."

Max clenched his jaw, feeling an uncomfortable mix of jealousy and helplessness. He knew Theodore had been the one guy who'd almost made Talia forget about him. They had history—a spark that had lingered, even though they'd never quite worked out. Seeing them together now, he couldn't help but wonder if this time, Talia might finally give in.

Just then, he noticed Talia laughing at something Theodore said, her hand brushing his arm. She looked comfortable, at ease, as if he was someone she could trust. Max felt a pang of regret, realizing that he'd had that chance once, too—and he'd squandered it. But he wasn't going to let her slip away without a fight.

He grabbed a glass of champagne, took a steadying sip, and made his way over, his heart pounding as he approached the two of them.

"Talia," he said, his voice steady but carrying a hint of urgency.

She turned, her expression shifting from surprise to something more guarded. "Max," she replied, keeping her voice polite but distant.

Theodore raised an eyebrow, looking between them. "Max, good to see you. How's everything?"

"Fine, thanks," Max replied, forcing a smile. He shifted his focus back to Talia, his gaze softening. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

Talia hesitated, glancing at Theodore. "Actually, Theo and I were just—"

"It's alright," Theodore said smoothly, giving her a reassuring smile. "I'll grab us some drinks. Go ahead."

Talia nodded, following Max to a quieter corner of the room. She crossed her arms, looking at him expectantly. "What is it, Max?"

He took a breath, his hands fidgeting as he tried to find the right words. "Look, Talia... I know I messed up. I know I haven't been the person you deserved. But last night, when you told me how you felt—I realized I can't keep pretending like I don't feel the same way."