Part 3No More Stand-Ins, I'm Back.

My friends threw me a welcome-home party.

No one expected Liam to bring Chloe along.

Chloe had thoughtfully prepared gifts for everyone.

Especially for me.

"I heard Liam considers you like family. When Liam and I get married, Audrey, you have to be my bridesmaid."

A few friends' faces changed. One turned to Liam. "Liam, aren't you going to say anything?"

Liam chuckled. "You want me to be in the doghouse?"

Chloe covered her mouth, blushing shyly.

She suggested we play Truth or Dare.

The bottle spun and landed on me.

Everyone was eager, but Chloe stopped them.

"Let my boyfriend ask first!"

Liam took a sip of his drink, then looked at me. "Did you date anyone abroad?"

I nodded. "Yes."

A collective gasp went through the room.

Jason, one of Liam's good friends, teased me, "Come on, Audrey, you know you don't mean that." He reached for my glass. "I'll take this one for you."

The next round, it was Liam's turn to spin the bottle, and it landed on me again.

He asked, "What's his name?"

I replied, "I'd rather not say."

Chloe laughed loudly. "Hah, Audrey, good thing you're not an actress, otherwise, your acting would be terrible. Men might not notice, but as women, I can tell you're lying in an instant!"

Liam's usual flings would never dare to speak like that.

But sitting beside him now was Chloe.

His only acknowledged girlfriend.

Liam's silence indicated his indulgence.

I pulled back my hair and smiled. "I'm no actress. I don't know how to play coy or put on a show like Ms. Chloe."

Chloe's smile froze.

I always prided myself on having a good temper, but I also had a sharp tongue.

Liam, it seemed, hadn't had time to tell Chloe that.

However, she had remarkably thick skin. In a flash, she was smiling and pouring me a drink.

"A bet's a bet. If you can't answer, you drink. Go on."

"Fine."

I generously drained the glass.

The bottle in Liam's hand seemed to have a mind of its own; the next round, it landed on me again.

He asked without hesitation, "Why did you come back this time?"