Serena’s heart sank. Her pulse quickened as she stared at Eli, the man she was trying so hard to forget, looking utterly wrecked. His disheveled hair, glassy eyes, and the way his shoulders sagged told her all she needed to know—he was drowning in his own misery. She froze, unsure of what to do. Memories of their last encounter flashed through her mind, and she felt the sting of fresh tears threatening to fall.
As if sensing her presence, Lucas appeared by her side. “Serena,” he said, his voice low. “What’s wrong?”
She couldn’t speak, just tilted her head in Eli’s direction. Lucas followed her gaze, his jaw tightening when he spotted Eli at the bar.
“Of course he’s here,” Lucas muttered under his breath. He gently touched Serena’s arm. “Come on, let’s go back to Nia. You don’t need this
