The text from Daniel arrived on Wednesday morning while I was reviewing design mockups at my cluttered desk, still running on the high from Saturday's gala.
Hey Maya. Saw some interesting photos from the Art Institute Gala. Looks like you've been busy. Sophia and I are having a small gathering this Friday at 8. You should come. Bring your new... friend. Would love to meet him. - D
I stared at the message, my coffee growing cold in my hands. The casual tone didn't fool me—Daniel never did anything without calculation. After three years together, I knew his patterns. This invitation wasn't about friendship or closure; it was about curiosity, control, and probably a healthy dose of skepticism about my sudden transformation from heartbroken ex to billionaire's fiancée.
My phone buzzed again with a follow-up: Address is 2847 Pacific Heights. Cocktail attire. Looking forward to catching up.
I set my phone down with shaking hands. The smart thing would be to decline, to maintain the distance I'd carefully constructed since receiving their wedding invitation. But something stubborn and wounded inside me rebelled at the thought of backing down. Daniel wanted to see if my new relationship was real? Fine. I'd show him exactly how well I'd moved on.
The problem was Ethan. How could I explain this to him without revealing the messy, petty origins of our arrangement? He thought this was about saving face after a breakup, not about the deep, humiliating betrayal that had shattered my faith in both love and friendship. The idea of dragging him into Daniel and Sophia's world, subjecting him to their subtle cruelty disguised as concern, made my stomach churn.
I was still staring at my phone when Lily burst through my apartment door that evening, armed with takeout containers and her trademark determination.
"You look like someone died," she announced, setting the food on my kitchen counter. "What happened? Did Billionaire Prince Charming turn back into a frog?"
"Daniel invited me to a party," I said, showing her the text messages. "He wants to meet Ethan."
Lily's eyes lit up with malicious glee. "Oh, this is perfect! The look on his face when he realizes you've upgraded from cheating fiancé to actual billionaire—"
"I can't bring Ethan," I interrupted, sinking onto my couch. "This whole thing started because of Daniel. How do I explain that to Ethan without sounding pathetic and vindictive?"
"You don't," Lily said simply, joining me with two plates of pad thai. "You tell Ethan you have a prior commitment and handle this yourself."
I stared at her. "Go alone? Lily, the whole point of bringing him would be to prove—"
"To prove what? That you need a man to validate your worth?" She shook her head firmly. "Maya, you've spent the last week playing dress-up in Ethan's world, and it's been amazing to watch your confidence grow. But this is your world, your past, your mess to clean up. Walk in there alone and show Daniel exactly who Maya Chen really is."
"What if they don't believe the relationship is real?"
"Then let them wonder," Lily said, twirling noodles around her fork. "Mysterious is much more powerful than desperate."
I picked at my food, considering her words. She was right about one thing—bringing Ethan would require explanations I wasn't ready to give. But the thought of facing Daniel and Sophia alone, surrounded by people who would be watching for cracks in my facade, terrified me.
"What do I even say when they ask where he is?"
"Business trip. Prior commitment. Mysterious billionaire stuff." Lily waved her hand dismissively. "Keep it vague and change the subject. Ask about their honeymoon plans or Sophia's dress or literally anything else."
Over the next two days, I rehearsed conversations in my head while trying to focus on work. Ethan had texted several times about our upcoming dinner with the Montgomerys, but I kept my responses brief and professional. I told myself I was maintaining appropriate boundaries, but the truth was I was afraid that if I spent too much time with him, I'd lose my nerve about facing Daniel alone.
Friday evening arrived with unseasonable warmth, as if the weather were mocking my internal turmoil. I chose my outfit carefully—a navy blue wrap dress that was elegant without being ostentatious, paired with the diamond tennis bracelet Ethan had given me to complete my "engagement jewelry collection." I wanted to look successful and happy without appearing to try too hard.
The address Daniel had given me led to a stunning Victorian mansion in Pacific Heights, all sweeping bay views and old money elegance. I recognized it as belonging to one of Sophia's wealthy sorority sisters—the kind of woman who collected advanced degrees and charity board positions like accessories.
I sat in my Uber for a full minute before getting out, steeling myself for what lay ahead. Through the tall windows, I could see well-dressed figures holding wine glasses, their animated conversations and easy laughter a stark reminder of the social circle I'd once been part of.
The door was answered by a woman I vaguely recognized from college—blonde, polished, with the kind of smile that never quite reached her eyes.
"Maya!" she exclaimed, as if we'd been close friends rather than distant acquaintances. "How wonderful to see you. And congratulations on your engagement! We're all dying to meet this mysterious billionaire of yours."
"Thank you," I replied smoothly, accepting her air kisses. "Ethan couldn't make it tonight—business emergency—but he sends his regrets."
Her smile flickered almost imperceptibly. "Oh, what a shame. Daniel mentioned he was particularly looking forward to meeting him."
She led me through a foyer decorated with fresh orchids and contemporary art into a living room where about twenty people mingled with drinks. I recognized most faces from my college years or Daniel's work connections—the same crowd that used to feel like family but now felt like a tribunal.
Daniel spotted me almost immediately, detaching himself from a group near the fireplace to approach with his characteristic confident stride. He looked good—he always had—with his perfectly styled dark hair and expensive casual wear. But for the first time since our breakup, seeing him didn't send that familiar stab of pain through my chest.
"Maya," he said, leaning in for a hug that lasted just long enough to be inappropriate given his engagement status. "You look incredible. Success suits you."
"Thank you," I replied, stepping back to maintain distance. "Congratulations again on your engagement. When's the big day?"
"Next month," he said, his eyes scanning the room behind me. "I was hoping to meet your fiancé tonight. Ethan Blackwood, right? Quite the catch."
There was something in his tone—skepticism mixed with what might have been jealousy—that put me on guard. "He couldn't make it. Business commitment."
"Of course," Daniel said, his smile not quite hiding his disappointment. "The demands of running a tech empire, I imagine. Though I have to say, it's all happened rather quickly, hasn't it? Your engagement announcement came as quite a surprise to everyone."