Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 31

Asher's expression turned cool. "That's over. He's her ex now."

"And that doesn't bother you?" Sebastian pressed.

"Everyone has a past," Asher replied with studied nonchalance, giving Sebastian a measured look. "Or are you claiming you don't?"

Sebastian rubbed his nose self-consciously. "Well yes, but... this is different. She's your first love, while you're not hers. That doesn't trouble you at all?"

"Not in the least." The tenderness in Asher's dark eyes was unmistakable. "Simply having her in my life now is more than I could have hoped for."

"Good Lord," James chuckled. "You've gone absolutely soft, old chap."

Checking his watch, Asher rose. "Time to go, I believe."

He'd arranged a welcome dinner for Gabriella.

Under the glittering lights of London's finest hotel, an ice blue Bentley glided to a stop at the entrance. The evening air carried an autumn chill as Gabriella stepped out.

"Gabriella, over here!" Victoria called from the entrance, beaming.

Charlotte stood beside her.

"Vicky, Charlie!" Gabriella smiled warmly, her heels clicking against marble as she approached.

"Finally remembered we exist?" Charlotte pretended to sulk. "Thought you'd forgotten all about us in New York."

Gabriella's eyes crinkled with warmth. "Missed you too much to stay away. Not happy to see me?"

"Cheeky thing," Charlotte huffed.

Victoria linked arms with Gabriella, smiling fondly. "Charlie's been talking about you non-stop. She's absolutely thrilled you're back."

Her two best friends couldn't be more different—Victoria, the perfect picture of aristocratic grace, and Charlotte, all wit and vivacity.

"It's wonderful about you and Asher," Victoria said warmly.

Charlotte studied Gabriella with concern. "But... you're certain about this? It's what you want?"

Gabriella tapped Charlotte's forehead playfully. "Since when could anyone force me to do anything?"

Both friends knew about her boyfriend in New York, though they'd never met him. Over the past three years, Gabriella had occasionally shared bits of her relationship, but she hadn't mentioned the breakup.

"Have you ended things with Drake?" Victoria asked gently.

"Blocked him everywhere. He'll understand."

Charlotte tilted her head. "What changed your mind so suddenly?"

A flash of derision crossed Gabriella's eyes. "Found out I was merely a replacement for his ex."

"What?" Charlotte was outraged. "The absolute nerve of him! As if anyone could replace our Gabriella!"

"Good riddance," Victoria declared firmly. "He never deserved you."

Gabriella's eyes betrayed no emotion. "Ancient history. Shall we? Asher and the others are waiting upstairs."

The hotel manager personally escorted them. "This way, ladies."

October had brought a chill to London. Gabriella wore a cream trench coat over a light blouse, paired with knee-high boots. Her loose waves framed a face that had gained a certain sophistication over the years.

"Look who's finally here!" Sebastian greeted them first. "These years have been rather kind to you, darling."

Charlotte rolled her eyes. "Must you be so insufferable?"

"I beg your pardon!" Sebastian affected offense. "This isn't insufferable—it's called social grace."