Loving Him Was My Biggest Mistake

Amelia Marlowe had fallen hard for her brother's best friend.

Six years her senior, Evan Carter was completely off-limits. She kept her feelings locked away—until one reckless night.

Under dim bar lights, she stole a kiss while he was drunk.

Just as she turned to flee, his eyes flew open.

"Trying to get kissing lessons, little mouse?" His voice was thick with alcohol, lips quirking. "Too bad I don't date jailbait."

Her face burned, but she lifted her chin. "Then wait until I'm not jailbait anymore!"

Evan studied her for a long moment before laughing softly. "Fine. If you still want me at twenty-two, we'll talk."

Those words became her lifeline.

For years, she lingered at his periphery, counting down days until her birthday. When the date finally arrived, she rushed to claim her prize—only to freeze outside a private lounge.

A baby's wail pierced the air.

Through the cracked door, she saw Evan cradling a screaming infant while his friends winced.

"Christ, Carter! Faking fatherhood to ditch some girl?"

Amelia's blood turned to ice.

"What choice do I have?" Evan's familiar drawl made her stomach twist. "She's coming to collect that stupid promise today."

"Damn. Amelia's actually perfect for you—smart, gorgeous, obsessed with you—"

"It's not about Amelia." Evan cut in, voice dropping. "You all know who I've always loved."

Silence. Then knowing chuckles.

"Victoria Slade? Should've guessed. With your looks, she'd never refuse. You're just overthinking it."

"Exactly why I need this charade." She heard the smile in his voice. "Told Victoria some kid won't leave me alone. We'll fake date, show up with this baby, even stage a wedding. Amelia will back off, and I'll get closer to Victoria."

His friends whooped approval.

None noticed Amelia clutching a ruined cake box outside.

Rain sheeted down as she fled the club, designer dress ruined. Fourteen years old again—the day Alexander forgot to pick her up from school.

Thugs had cornered her in an alley until Evan appeared like some dark knight. He'd draped his jacket over her shaking shoulders, pressed chocolate into her palm.

"You're a mess, mouse." His teasing grin lit up the shadows. "Let's get you home."

That was the moment she'd lost her heart.

For eight years, she'd molded herself around his preferences. Learned his favorite meals. Memorized his schedule. Turned down Parisian design schools to stay in Wellington.

All for nothing.

Shivering at a bus stop, she dialed Alexander. "I'll take that internship in Salzburg. And... I'll meet your friend."

A beat of silence. "You found out."

"Does he love Victoria that much?"