Evie stared back at her nearly unrecognisable reflection. The woman she saw was draped in a forest-green silk, Vivienne Westwood halter-neck that Hugo had bought for her especially for tonight’s event. Her usually loose, wavy hair was pulled up into a high ponytail (thank god her horrible bangs had just about grown out), revealing a set of diamond stud earrings which had been a gift before Hugo’s trip to America. This evening, she looked less like Evie Berry and more like a film star. You wouldn’t even have known that a small knot of disappointment was sitting firmly in her chest, making it slightly hard to breathe. But she tried not to think about failing to win the short film competition. She was so thrilled for Ben. He had texted just after their phone call to tell her that without her help, he probably wouldn’t have won either, and that they should split the prize money. Of course, Evie had refused. This was all Ben’s win. But it made her happy that she had helped him, even a little, to make a name for himself as the brilliant documentary maker she knew he was destined to be.

‘You look stunning,’ Hugo said, interrupting her train of thought as he admired her from inside their walk-in robe. ‘What did I do to deserve you?’

Evie went over and nuzzled into his chest, breathing him in.

‘Thanks for inviting me tonight,’ Evie said into the collar of his shirt, being careful not to rub any makeup on it. All the biggest names in the publishing and film industries would be at the gala. When Hugo had first invited her, she’d been so excited. She had even gone so far as to text Liam and ask if he had a list of the big names that would be there so that she could prepare some networking notes. He had, predictably, not replied.

After today’s news, and Hugo’s strange outburst on the phone, Evie felt as if she’d had the wind knocked from her sails. She was trying her best to pep herself up, if not for her sake, then for Hugo’s, but it was proving to be a bit of a struggle.

‘Well, I already can’t wait to get home with you.’ Hugo brushed his fingers along her collarbone, his finger trailing from fabric to bare skin.

Evie softened at his touch. ‘Just don’t leave me alone with Liam. I can tell he despises me.’

‘He does not. That’s just Liam. He takes a while to warm up,’ Hugo replied, pulling away and cupping her cheeks in his hands. ‘Who could hate this gorgeous face?’

‘Mm … Did I tell you Ben is going on a date tonight?’