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And somehow, it still looks like it belongs on the cover of a lifestyle magazine titledEffortless Charm.

It’s irritating.

She doesn’t look at me.

Doesn’t flinch.

Doesn’t even acknowledge the fact that I’m there.

Again.

Nova turns to me first, pulling me into a quick side hug like we’re just old friends heading off to a weekend retreat and not dragging our heels into a PR-fueled circus.

“You good?” she asks.

“Peachy,” I mutter, which is the polite way of sayingleave me alone.

She gives me that look—the one where her eyes sayI know you’re full of it, but she’s too tired to argue. Then she turns to Mia, her whole demeanor softening.

“Thank you again for doing this. Really.”

Mia actually smiles. Like an actual smile. The kind that lights up her face, like she’s not dreading this entire arrangement.

She even laughs softly when Brody says something dumb and charming in the way he does. I don’t catch the joke, but I catch the smile.

Of course, she smiles at Brody.

Of course, she laughs at his dumb joke.

I stand there, a few feet away, feeling like an intruder in my own mess. Brody gets a laugh. Nova gets a smile. I get nothing. Not even a glance.

I shove my hands into the front pocket of my hoodie and stare straight ahead, pretending I don’t notice the imbalance. Pretending it doesn’t matter.

Because it doesn’t.

It shouldn’t.

I shake my head and follow the group through security, eyes down, mouth shut.

This trip is going to be a pain. I can feel it already.

And we haven’t even taken off yet.

On the plane, I find myself seated right next to her.

Of course.

Mia barely glances at me as she gets settled. She puts her carry-on under the seat, buckles in, and pulls out a book like I’m not even there.

I can’t help myself.

“So…” I lean closer. “What kind of credentials do you have to call yourself a matchmaker?” Just a response, a glance, it’s all I need. I can’t stand how wholly she’s ignoring me. It’s like I’m not even here.

She doesn’t respond.

Brody, from across the aisle, cuts in. “She matched the Prince of Alveria with his current wife. Sophie. Sophie’s her sister.”

I glance back at Mia. She still hasn’t said a word.