Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
“Theo, this would be much easier if you just gave it a chance.” She walks toward me, crowding my personal space. Her perfume burns my nostrils. My throat constricts.
“Unless you’re here to admit you lied, there’s nothing we have to discuss.”
“Theo.”
“I assume that’s a no, so get the fuck out.”
She flinches at my tone. “You have to be kidd—”
“Out! Get the fuck out. And do not come back.” Without another word, she whips around and storms out of my office.
I hold my breath until I know she’s gone, then scrub my hands down my face before heading to face Fay. I exit my office, my stomach dropping when I see her empty chair. Grabbing her phone, I hit the button for the receptionist.
"Good morning—”
“Amy, where’s Fay?”
“She left. Said she wasn’t feeling good. But she gave me your agenda. You should be—”
I slam the phone down and walk toward the elevators. “Mr. Monroe?” Amy tries to flag me down as I press the down button and the doors open. “Your morning meeting just arrived—”
“Cancel my entire day. I won’t be back in.”
Fay
I can’t breathe. I knew something was off with those meetings. Why didn’t I listen to my gut? He’s been lying to me and being with her. I’m his little secret because he’s involved with her.
I choke as I try to swallow my sob. What am I doing? I’m nothing but a puzzle piece in a fucking game he’s playing with me.
I make it to my building, relief coursing through me. I need to be behind closed doors so I can scream. Break things. My heart is already cracking into a million pieces.
“Miss Evans.” I stop when I hear my name and watch a man exit a town car. “Do you have a moment?”
“Not particularly.”
“I’ll be quick.” Theo’s father steps onto the sidewalk. “I understand my son has taken a liking to you.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“There’s no need to keep up the charade. I’m well aware of the relationship you two have.”
“Well, if you know so much, then you know there’s nothing to tell. Are we done here?”
“Not yet. I thought it’d be best if you were better informed.”
“Of what?” Seeing him today does nothing to change the sleazy vibes I got from him yesterday. His smug stare followed me as I walked out of the office and gave me the creeps. Now, sirens are blaring.
“Theo may be enjoying his time with you, but there are things he’s keeping from you. Things you deserve to know.”
Trust me. Right now, we have to be a secret.
My stomach twists. “And what might that be?” I ask, knowing I don’t want the answer before the question leaves my lips.
“Theo is engaged.”
I sway, and Mr. Monroe reaches out to steady me, but I step back.
“I’m sorry to be the one to tell you. Theo isn’t very forthcoming all the time. But it’s best you know before things go any further and you get hurt.”
“He’s. . . engaged.” The words feel sour in my mouth.
“As of last night. He proposed at dinner. It was a beautiful evening.”
I suck in a tight breath, fighting back the tears just waiting in the wings. I refuse to give this man the reaction he’s looking for. “I’m sure it was.”
“So, you see, it’s best you forget whatever this was between you. You aren’t the first girl he’s toyed around with, but you will be the last.”
“Oh, wow. A modern-day hero. Thanks for the info. I’ll make sure to congratulate the happy couple next time I see them.” My nails dig into my palms, and I’m holding onto my last thread of sanity. “If there’s nothing else. . .”
“Of course. Enjoy your day, Miss Evans.”
I walk away without another glance and run up to my apartment. The moment my door closes, I slide down to the floor, tears streaming down my cheeks. I bury my head in my knees and scream until my throat burns.
How could he? I hug my legs and rock back and forth. My fists clench, and I bang them against the floor. How could he fucking do this? I’m spiraling so fast that I don’t hear when someone enters my apartment. Two hands grab me to my feet, and I snap out of my hysteria.
“Jesus, Fay, what’s wrong?” I look up at Theo, his face contorted in concern. Hiccupping a staggered breath, I push his hands off me. “What happened? Are you okay?”
“Am—am I okay?” My world is spinning. I stumble back, trying to move away. He grabs for me, and I yank myself out of his reach. “Don’t you dare touch me.”
He pulls back, and I suck in a breath, choking on my emotions. I can barely look at him without wanting to fall apart. I shake my head and close my eyes. When I open them, I force myself to look at him. “Wanna know something crazy?” I wipe at my cheeks and shake my head again, swallowing back the emotion in my throat. “You’re the first person I’ve ever told I loved them.” I laugh, but it comes out painfully sad. “Twenty-three years old, and I’ve never loved someone. Until you.” I gaze at him through my tears. “Pretty messed up, right?”