Two years into my second life, my carefully constructed world was exactly where I needed it to be. Reed Events had become the premier luxury event planning company in New York, with a waiting list of clients and a reputation for transformative experiences. My investment portfolio had grown substantially, providing the financial independence I'd lacked in my previous life. And most importantly, my targets were precisely where I wanted them—Ethan pursuing me with increasing intensity, Mia circling ever closer, both of them unaware they were being manipulated rather than manipulating.

The Whitney Museum project had become the catalyst I expected. After careful consideration, I'd agreed to collaborate with Mia—not as business partners, but as independent planners working together on a single event. The arrangement gave me access to her growing network while maintaining clear boundaries around my company.


The exhibition opening was a spectacular success, generating national press coverage and cementing both our reputations in the art world. Working together again created the illusion of renewed closeness between us—exactly as I'd intended. Mia began confiding in me more, sharing gossip about mutual acquaintances and, increasingly, details about her friendship with Ethan.

"He asks about you constantly," she told me during a post-event celebration, her third glass of champagne loosening her usual calculation. "It's almost annoying how often your name comes up when we're having lunch."

"You have lunch with Ethan often?" I asked casually, though I already knew the answer.


"Every few weeks," she shrugged. "Usually to discuss arts patronage projects for his family foundation. He's actually quite knowledgeable about contemporary art."

The familiar pattern was emerging—Ethan cultivating a separate relationship with my best friend, establishing regular meetings that would eventually become something more. In my previous life, I'd been oblivious to the frequency of their contact until it was too late.


"How thoughtful of him to support your expertise," I remarked neutrally.

"He's more thoughtful than you give him credit for," she replied, a hint of defensiveness in her tone. "He really cares about you, Liv. I don't understand why you keep him at arm's length."

I took a sip of my water, buying time to formulate my response. "My focus is on building my business. Romance is a distraction I can't afford right now."

"Is that why you're also keeping James Blackwood at a distance?" she asked shrewdly. "Because from what I hear, there's definitely something happening there."

The question confirmed she was monitoring my other relationships—likely reporting back to Ethan, as she had in my previous life. James and I had maintained a careful balance since that kiss at his lake house—professional in public, with occasional private dinners where we explored our growing connection away from prying eyes.

"James and I have a professional relationship with mutual respect," I said, revealing nothing. "Unlike some people, he understands boundaries."

She laughed. "Boundaries are overrated when it comes to the right person. And speaking of the right person..."

She nodded toward the entrance, where Ethan had just arrived—unplanned and uninvited to our celebration. He spotted us immediately, making his way through the crowded bar with confident ease.

"Ladies," he greeted us, kissing Mia's cheek before turning to me. "Congratulations on the Whitney success. The entire board is impressed."

"Thank you," I replied coolly. "It was a team effort."

"Always modest," he smiled, signaling for the waiter. "This calls for proper champagne. Dom Pérignon, I think."

Before I could object to his taking over our celebration, the bottle arrived—clearly pre-ordered. He'd planned this "spontaneous" appearance down to the last detail.

"A toast," he proposed, raising his glass. "To creative partnerships and new beginnings."

The double meaning wasn't lost on me. As we clinked glasses, his eyes held mine with unmistakable intent. Mia watched our interaction with barely concealed satisfaction—the matchmaker pleased with her work.

"Actually, I have news," Ethan continued after we'd sipped the champagne. "The Hayes Foundation is establishing a new arts initiative—supporting emerging artists from underrepresented communities. We need an innovative approach to the launch event."

"Sounds perfect for Olivia," Mia interjected immediately. "Her work with the Whitney proved she can bridge traditional institutions with contemporary relevance."

"My thoughts exactly," he agreed, though his expression suggested this had been the plan all along. "The board meets next week to approve the budget. I've already recommended Reed Events as our partner."

The opportunity was significant—prestigious, aligned with my brand, and potentially lucrative. In my previous life, a similar project had been my entry into the Hayes Foundation's inner circle, leading eventually to my engagement to Ethan.

"I'd need to see the full scope before committing," I said, maintaining professional distance despite the personal pressure. "My schedule is quite full through the next quarter."

"I'm sure we can make it worth rearranging some priorities," he replied, his tone making it clear this wasn't just about business. "Perhaps we could discuss details over dinner tomorrow? My place—I'll cook."

The invitation mirrored one from my previous life—the dinner that had led to our first kiss, the beginning of our romantic relationship. The parallel was uncanny, though this time I recognized the calculated nature of his timing.

"I have plans tomorrow," I said, which was true—I was meeting James to discuss the Blackwood Hotel's international expansion.

"Cancel them," Ethan suggested, his charm barely masking the command. "This opportunity won't wait."

In my previous life, I would have complied immediately, flattered by his persistence and eager for his approval. This time, I met his gaze directly.

"Professional opportunities that require canceling prior commitments rarely end well," I replied evenly. "I'm available for lunch on Thursday to discuss the project parameters."

His jaw tightened momentarily before he forced a smile. "Thursday it is. Though you're missing out on my famous risotto."

Mia watched our exchange with curious eyes, clearly noting my resistance to Ethan's charm—a significant deviation from the eager compliance she'd expected based on her understanding of my character.

The evening continued with surface pleasantries, but the underlying currents had shifted. Ethan's pursuit was becoming more direct, Mia's role as facilitator more obvious. They were accelerating their timeline, pushing for the romantic entanglement that had been the foundation of their betrayal in my previous life.