Page 39 of Unwrapped

I nod, forcing a small smile, even though my chest feels tight. “It’s okay. Go.”

He squeezes my hands one last time, his eyes full of regret. “I’ll be back soon. I promise.” And then he’s gone, disappearing into the crowd before I can say anything else.

I watch him go, feeling the weight of the conversation settle over me like a heavy cloud. I know he didn’t want to leave, and I know his world is full of these obligations, but it still stings. I lean against the wall, feeling drained, my earlier excitement from being here as his girlfriend now dulled by doubt and uncertainty.

As I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself, I hear footsteps approaching. I glance up to see Zane, Asher’s older brother, standing next to me. His presence is as imposing as ever, and while his expression isn’t unfriendly, there’s something in his eyes that tells me this isn’t just a casual chat.

“Hey,” Zane says, slipping his hands into the pockets of his suit pants. “I saw you over here, thought I’d come check on you.”

I offer a weak smile, trying to hide how rattled I feel. “Hey, Zane. I’m fine. Just… taking a breather.”

He nods, but I can tell he’s not buying it. I’ve always heard that Zane could see through people’s bullshit, that he has a knack for reading people. In the interviews I’ve read about him and Asher over the years, Asher always made it a point to give credit to Zane’s gut and how it’s served them over the years in their continued success. Now with him looking at me, I can’t help but wonder if he sees right through me as well. He leansagainst the wall next to me, crossing his arms as he looks out at the party.

“So,” he says casually, “you and my brother, huh?”

I glance over at him, unsure of where this conversation is heading. “Yeah, I guess so.”

Zane lets out a low chuckle, his eyes still scanning the room. “I’m all for it, you know. You’re good for him. Better than anyone else I’ve seen him with in a long time.”

His words should be comforting, but there’s something in his tone that puts me on edge. I frown, turning to face him fully. “But?”

He sighs, glancing down at me with a more serious expression. “But I just want to make sure you know what you’re getting into with Asher. He’s a good guy, but his life… it’s complicated. He’s always had a lot of people pulling him in different directions, and sometimes it’s hard for him to keep his focus where it should be. On the things that really matter.”

I swallow hard, feeling the familiar twist of doubt tighten in my chest. “I know it’s not easy. I’ve already seen that.”

Zane’s gaze softens, but there’s still a warning in his eyes. “Look, I’m not saying he doesn’t care about you. I’ve seen the way he looks at you—it’s different. But I’ve also seen what happens when he gets caught up in all of this.” He gestures to the glittering party around us. “And it can be hard for him to find his way back. He’s got a lot on his plate, and sometimes the people in his life end up… collateral damage.”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I glance down at the floor, trying to process what he’s saying. “Are you telling me to be careful?”

Zane hesitates for a moment before nodding. “Yeah. I guess I am. Asher’s got a good heart, but he’s always had this way of getting wrapped up in his reputation, in the image he’s built.Just… guard your heart, Ivy. Don’t let him pull you in too deep without making sure he’s fully in it with you.”

I look up at him, a sinking feeling settling in my stomach. “Do you think he’s not fully in it?”

Zane runs a hand through his hair, looking conflicted. “I think he is, but this life, this business… it can swallow people whole. Just make sure you’re not the one left behind, okay?”

I nod, my throat tight as I try to find the right words. “Thanks, Zane. I appreciate the honesty.”

He gives me a small smile, patting my shoulder. “You’re strong, Ivy. Don’t forget that.”

With that, he pushes off the wall and disappears back into the party, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I stand there for a moment, staring at the floor as the weight of everything Zane said settles over me.

I thought I could handle this. I thought I could fit into Asher’s world and be a part of it without losing myself. But standing here, hearing those women talk about him like he’s just another conquest, hearing Zane’s warning… it all makes me wonder if I rushed into this too fast. If maybe I wasn’t ready for everything that comes with being with someone like Asher Mercer.

I need to get out of here.

Without another thought, I slip out of the alcove and make my way through the ballroom, avoiding eye contact with anyone as I head for the exit. The noise of the party fades behind me as I step outside into the crisp night air, my heart heavy with doubt.

I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t know if I can be part of his world without getting swallowed up by it.

And the worst part is, I’m not sure if Asher can stop it from happening either. I take my time changing out of my dress, giving it one last glance over before shoving it to the back of my closet where it belongs. I change into my comfy clothes,fastening the one thing around me that always makes me feel the most comfortable: my apron.

The notification pops up while I'm testing a new cookie recipe. The only thing that ever puts my mind at ease, even if it’s this late at night.

"Chicago's Most Eligible Bachelor OFF the Market? Who is this Mystery Woman?"

My stomach drops as I click the link. The article loads, revealing several photos - Asher and me at the Christmas market, another of us leaving his building, and one of him kissing my cheek outside Sugar & Spice.

My hand shoots up to cover my mouth, a gasp falling from my lips. “How’d they get these pictures?” It feels invasive, especially when I didn’t see a single camera around us during any of those times.

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