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Freddie burst out laughing. “No, they’re not!”

“I saw the ring, Freds. Fallon was wearing it last night.” Her sad eyes darted to her best friend. “Lucy, the one I told you about? His mum’s ring?”

Lucy raised her eyebrows. “The backpack ring?”

Freddie scrunched up his nose. “Bullshit. Mark has never mentioned getting engaged!”

“See for yourself.” Alex sighed. “Check the Mail website, their gossip column from last night.”

Simon handed Freddie his phone. He tapped and scrolled the screen. “What? Okay, THAT question tops my list when I hear from him! You can’t believe anything in these tabloids, Lex, you know that!”

She shrugged. “Freddie, it won’t change anything.”

“But do you want it to change things?” asked Simon.

“Of course she does.” Freddie rolled his eyes. “She still loves him—”

“Freddie, stop—” Alex protested.

“The truth might change more than you think. The mood Mark was in, I was certain he was going to dump her!” said Freddie.

Alex shook her head. “He’s been gone two hours? It’s just past eleven P.M. there, right?”

“They’ve got a lot to discuss,” said Simon.

“Or they’re making up.” Alex looked away.

Lucy smiled kindly. The lock on her front door clicked open. She leapt from the armrest and disappeared from the screen. Alex could hear Harry in the background.

Simon stood up. “You look shattered, mate. Have a seat.” He walked off screen.

Harry dropped down beside Freddie and rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hands. Lucy reclaimed her spot on the armrest, and Simon pulled up a chair.

Harry waved at the screen. “Hey, Lex.”

“How did it go?” she asked, Freddie’s big announcement still sinking in.

Harry tugged his hand through his hair. “So, I saw Tarq. I can forgive the teenage relationship…I mean, he did date Olivia before me, so I’m the one who broke the so-called ‘bro code’—although I had no clue I was breaking it.” His eyebrows furrowed. “But sleeping with her straight after I ended our engagement? He crossed a massive line. Maybe down the road we might be able to laugh this off, but I doubt it…”

“What about his job?” asked Lucy.

“That’s Dad’s call, not mine. I don’t think Tarq’s extracurricular activities interfered with his job performance.” He grimaced. “Lex, I’m so sorry…if I hadn’t introduced you to him—”

“Harry, don’t. I can’t be with someone who would betray you. It’s for the best. My heart…is still bruised, anyway.”

Harry balled his hands into fists. “Fuck! I’m so pissed at him.”

Freddie’s mouth opened into a huge molar-exposing yawn. He slowly stood up, his head and shoulders disappearing from Alex’s phone screen. “Si…time to go…let’s get back, see if Mark’s home.”

Lucy stole Freddie’s place on the loveseat and nuzzled into Harry, trying to cheer him up with soft kisses.

Freddie’s face filled the screen. “Lex, text ya when I hear.”

“Hear what?” asked Harry.

Freddie yawned again. “About Mark’s convo with Fallon—she made it all up. Mark didn’t cheat on Alex!”

Harry’s eyes bulged. “What!?”

“I’ll fill you in.” Lucy’s hand stroked Harry’s loosened tie.

“I’m texting Lex as soon as I hear.” Freddie looked pleased with himself.

“Freds, no rush. It’s late for you. I’m gonna turn in…” Despite Alex’s outward resolve, thoughts of Mark flooded her mind, pushing away Tarquin and everything else. She stifled a yawn. “I’ve been up since five A.M. London time—”

“‘Nuff said.” Lucy nodded. “After today, I think we’ll all sleep like logs.”

“Definitely.” Alex smiled, thinking she would be lucky if she slept a wink.