"Summer's a star now, and Jason's her agent? Total power couple. Ethan trying to crawl back? Pathetic..."

The whispers kept going. Summer leaned into Jason, all smug.

"That's ancient history," she said, voice sweet. "Jason's the one I really love."

Silence.

They looked so picture-perfect, no one wanted to dig up the past.

I barely glanced their way before flagging down a waiter.

One coffee. No drama.

I just wanted my parents to show up, say whatever they had to, and let me bounce.

Jason didn't love that I was chilling.

He strolled over, fake grin locked in place, voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Ethan, wow, didn't recognize you. You look beat. That job of yours eating you alive?"

Heads turned. Cue the peanut gallery. They jumped in like I was still twelve.

"Ethan, you really should've picked a better job. Lawyers work nonstop and don't even make that much. Pushing thirty and still single? Embarrassing."

"No wonder you skip these get-togethers. Total disappointment."

I locked eyes with Jason, then finally took a real look at him and Summer.

Her hair was styled to perfection, wrapped in a plush cashmere coat, decked out in designer everything. She was practically sparkling with money.

Jason had on a tailored suit, wedding ring shining. The way he carried himself, he looked like he stepped off the cover of a billionaire romance.

No surprise people thought they were perfect. They nailed the look.

I rubbed my temples and took a step back.

"Jason, you done? If so, back off. Your cheap cologne's killing my head."

Jason's smile cracked, but before he could snap back, Summer cut in.

"Ethan Exeter, seriously? Jason's just being polite. Why the attitude?"

I clenched my jaw. Annoyance rising fast, but I kept it cool—for now.

"No attitude. I've been grinding all day, I'm exhausted, and I'm not here to stroll down memory lane. Just need a little space, alright?"

Her expression twisted. Summer wasn't used to being brushed off. She thought her life was some dream I should be jealous of.

To her, I was supposed to be bitter and longing—not standing here like I couldn't care less.

Jason picked up on her mood fast and slid right in.

"Babe, it's just a family thing. Don't let Ethan bother you. After what went down back then, it makes sense he's still salty. We'll be the mature ones."

That did the trick. She latched onto his arm and gave him a look. "You're right. You always know how to deal with people."

Then she turned to me, pure disgust on her face.

"Ethan, it's been years and you're still the same stubborn mess. Honestly? Pathetic."

"If you hadn't been so harsh back then, maybe it wouldn't have blown up like that," she snapped.

***

Her words dragged me back.

In our last life, we met at some art show. Clicked fast, started dating, then tied the knot like it was meant to be.

We threw a big party—friends, family, the works.

That was when Jason crashed it.

Slick suit, smug face, playing Mr. Perfect.

The second Summer saw him, she froze.

Didn't think much of it at first. But after that? She started drifting. Pulled away.

Stopped sleeping in the same room.

Something felt off. I just didn't wanna admit it.

We liked the same stuff. Wanted the same things. I loved her. No way she'd cheat, right?

But then she started staying out late. Always on her phone.

One night after work, I saw her outside—wrapped up in Jason's arms.

That broke me.

I snapped. Demanded answers.

She shot back, "Ethan, look at you! You're always exhausted, sloppy, like some washed-up old man. Jason's everything you're not—charming, clean, in control. He's who I want."

Those words wrecked me.

Then she said it—

"This marriage was a mistake."

The one person I trusted ditched me for my own cousin.

Once it was out, she didn't flinch—just asked for a divorce.

I lost everything. Eventually, I gave up.

On the way to sign the papers, Jason kept running his mouth.

I was too mad to notice the truck turning the corner.

One loud crash—then black.

When I came to, it was our wedding day again. Right after we got the license.

I wasn't doing that mess twice. So I let them go.

They got together, moved overseas. I went back to the law firm.

This time, I had the upper hand—knew how it all played out.

Climbed fast, became lead attorney. Met someone real.

No more heartbreak. No more do-overs.

***

The whole clan had shown up. My parents strolled over, arm in arm, grinning.

"Ethan, did you say hi to everyone yet?"

I jerked my chin at the crowd. "They're all over Jason and Summer. Doubt they even noticed me."

Their smiles faded, but they stayed quiet.

I got it—those two had gone big overseas. Of course people wanted a piece of that spotlight.

That's just how people are—suck up to the flashy, stomp on the quiet.

But as we moved in, I kept hearing the same crap on repeat.

"Sure, Summer picked the wrong guy at first, but that mistake led her to Jason—totally fate!"

"Yeah, Ethan's decent, but way too uptight. Still holding a grudge after all these years. If he ever needs Jason and Summer? Good luck."

Jason waltzed over, fake smile in place, pride flashing in his eyes. He raised his wine glass and stopped right in front of me.

"Ethan, don't let them get to you. I'm still your cousin. If you ever need anything, I'm here."

Summer let out a snort. "Seriously, grow up. Learn how to deal with people. Just look at you—total train wreck."

My parents were shaking with anger. I held them back, forcing a smile.

"You're right. Every word."

Then I guided them to a table and sat down.

The food started rolling out, and so did the toasts. Everyone kept pushing Summer to spill about her time overseas.

"There must be tons of musicians out there. Had to be tough standing out, huh?"

Summer leaned into Jason, kissed his cheek, then beamed.

"It was rough, but Jason always believed in me. Without him, I probably would've quit and ended up stuck in some tiny office forever."

"A perfect pair. You two just click!"

"Honestly, dumping Ethan for Jason was the smartest thing she ever did. Total glow-up."

They took turns hyping her up while throwing shade my way. To them, I was just the guy she ditched to level up.

Mom's eyes went red with fury. She leaned over and muttered, "She's just playing some violin. What's she even bragging about?"

I gave her a calm look. "Everything's gonna be fine when Lydia shows."

Just saying her name made my chest feel lighter.

Right now, though? Everyone was huddled around Summer, acting like this party wasn't even my parents' idea in the first place.

We kept our heads down and waited.

It wasn't until a server politely mentioned all the dishes were out that anyone even looked our way.

Summer glanced around the hotel, taking in the downtown vibe—gallery paintings on the walls, crystal chandeliers, and fancy guests scattered around like a magazine shoot.

She turned to me, smirking. "Wait... you booked this place? Does your salary even cover a single drink here? What is this, sketchy money from your law firm? Trying to flex or something?"

I didn't say a word. Just walked off to settle the bill.

On the way, Lydia Lambert called. Said she might be late and told me to keep things smooth with the relatives. We talked for a bit, then I headed back.

Right as I reached the door, Summer stepped in front of me.

She gave me a once-over, eyes dripping with judgment, then dropped a fat wad of cash at my feet.

"Stop pretending you've got money. Here—use this. Don't say I never helped you."

I pushed it back. "Keep it. I'm good. And this money—"

"Save it," she snapped. "You think I don't know what you make? I told you after the divorce—quit that dead-end job. It's hard, it's thankless, and the pay sucks. What's the point?"