"Who the heck is he?"

...

Dante never saw it coming. After Celine bounced, she ghosted him completely.

Day one post-divorce? He slept like a baby, smugly expecting Celine to crawl back, totally defeated.

Month one? Still hitting the clubs, downing drinks, and burning rubber. He only vaguely noticed the void Celine left.

Month two? When asked about the divorce, he'd just scoff, "She's playing hard to get. She'll be back, no doubt."

Month three? Celine was still MIA, and Dante was officially freaking out.

It was only after she left that Dante realized just how much he’d leaned on her.

Even though she'd left a detailed guide, Dante figured she’d just waltz back in and didn’t bother with it.

Big mistake. The last three months were a total dumpster fire!

He couldn't even find a decent tie!

After parties, there was no one home to whip up a hangover cure broth!

The cook’s meals? Straight-up inedible!

He was losing his mind!

To top it all off, Celine had vanished, and there wasn’t a single sign she was coming back to admit defeat.

"Mr. Williams, there's a dinner party tonight. You need to be there by seven."

In his office, Dante was yanking at his tie, irritation radiating off him.

"Got it."

His assistant was halfway out the door when Dante called him back.

Dante’s face was a storm cloud. After a long pause, he finally blurted, "Find out where Celine Evans is."

The assistant did a double-take, froze for a beat, then replied, "Yes, sir."

Dante rolled up to the dinner party right on time at seven.

It was the usual glitz and glamour, champagne popping – a scene he used to live for. Now, he just felt antsy and annoyed.

He was about to bail when he turned and saw a familiar face.

The woman who’d left him hanging for three whole months!

She looked absolutely glowing. Clearly, she was thriving after ditching him!

The worst part? She was practically glued to another guy’s arm.

Dante’s blood boiled. He stormed over, grabbed her wrist, and hissed her name through gritted teeth.

"Celine Evans!"

The woman in front of him blinked, looking utterly confused. Her eyes held zero recognition.

"Sir, who are you?"

"Celine, you're seriously pulling this act?"

Dante couldn't believe this chick was still playing games after three months.

"I'm not acting, sir. I honestly don't know you. If that’s all, I’ll be going now."

With that, she linked arms with the guy beside her, ready to sidestep him.

He’d finally found her and wasn’t letting her slip away.

"Celine, is it fun ditching your husband for another guy?"

So, she wanted to play innocent and pretend not to know him in front of another man? Fine. He’d rip that mask right off.

He snatched her hand, forcing her to face him, to confront him.

Unexpectedly, Celine yanked her hand free with force and declared, "I told you I don't know you!"

At that moment, the man beside her, who’d been quiet until now, let out a low chuckle.

"Hold up, Dante. Are you hammered and causing a scene?"

Only then did Dante actually look at the guy Celine was clinging to.

It was Archer Reynolds, his old high school classmate, the second son of the Reynolds clan.

But wasn't he supposed to be overseas?

When did he get back? And how was he with Celine?

Dante scowled. "Archer Reynolds? Since when are you back?"

"Two months ago," Archer said softly, murmuring something to Celine to wait for him outside.

But the second Celine turned to leave, Dante grabbed her again, leaving her bewildered once more.

Dante eyed her up and down. Her gaze was completely different now – wary, like he was a stranger.

This Celine chick was full of surprises.

He took in Celine’s perfectly tailored apricot spaghetti-strap dress. Her dark hair was loosely swept up, a decorative comb tucked behind her ear. Subtle makeup highlighted her flawless features and delicate bone structure.

He’d never really noticed how stunning she was before, and she had a killer figure to boot.

The two of them together actually looked like a perfect match.

The thought sent a fresh wave of jealousy through Dante.

Didn't she claim to be head-over-heels for him? For ten years, no matter how he treated her, she never once complained.

And now, just three months after their divorce, she’d forgotten all about him! Hooking up with Archer Reynolds, who’d just returned!

"Are we done here? She said she doesn't know you."

Archer gently removed Dante's hand and signaled Celine to go ahead. Seeing Dante make to follow, Archer smoothly stepped in to block him.

"Dante, after all these years, you still haven't picked up a single ounce of gentlemanly conduct."