Page 83 of Don't Date Your Nemesis

One of Ethan’s moms, Helen, found me first, pulling me into a hug that smelled like expensive perfume and warmth.

“Beautiful speech, sweetheart.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Kane.”

“None of that. You know it’s Helen.” She patted my cheek. “Now where’s that lovely girl of yours?”

As if summoned, Deepika appeared, flowing in her bridesmaid dress, and Helen immediately pulled her into conversation.

My parents joined us as well. Mom in a navy dress that she had bought specifically for this, and Dad in a suit he had complained about wearing the entire drive up.

“Liam,” Mom said, hugging me. “You didn’t tell us Deepika was this funny.”

“She’s hilarious,” Dad agreed with a grin. “Just told us about the time you tried to make chole bhature.”

I groaned. “You told them?”

Deepika grinned. “They asked about your cooking skills. I had to be honest.”

I mock-glared at her and said, “Traitor.”

“Your mother deserves the truth.”

Mom laughed, linking arms with Deepika. “I like her, so you better keep her.”

Not this again.

“Mom—”

“I’m serious, son. She’s good for you.”

Deepika’s smile faltered slightly, but she recovered fast, launching into another story about me burning toast.

I let them talk, watching Deepika charm my parents effortlessly, and tried not to think about how much I wanted this to be real.

Then the speeches started.

Diya stood first, champagne in hand, Yash beside her.

“We want to talk about love,” Diya started, smiling at the crowd. “Real love, like the one that surprises you.”

My hands clenched into fists under the table.

Yash took over. “Sometimes love finds you when you least expect it. With someone you never imagined.”

I was going to punch him.

But it was Ethan and Kiara’s day, their wedding, and I would not ruin it by causing a scene.

But God, I wanted to.

Deepika’s hand found mine under the table, squeezing tight.

Then she leaned close, her breath warm against my ear.

“I know it’s super rude, but... Liam.”

I shifted in my seat, my heart thundering, because I could hear the need and the want in her voice.