Georgia’s POV
"Let go!" I shouted, my voice breaking under the weight of panic. My pulse hamred so violently it hurt, dread already painting the ending of this scene in my mind—and none of those endings were good.
"You heard her. Let go of her," Raymond’s voice cut through the air like a blade.
Now, I feel like a prey being fought over by three predators. Oh, heavens save !
But Nancy and Sarah didn’t move. They just stood there, eyes locked on like predators toying with prey. The silence stretched until another voice slithered in, smooth and mocking.
"What’s the commotion here? I didn’t realize my sister’s party extended to the hallway. Is this a private show?"
My stomach sank. Reagan.
Perfect. Now all of Nick’s enemies and mine were gathering, one after the other, like wolves circling a wounded deer. What was next? Violet waltzing in to make this circus complete?
Reagan strode closer with that smug confidence that made my skin crawl, slipping his arms around Nancy and Sarah’s shoulders as if claiming them both like trophies. His grin was dangerous, his tone drenched in mockery.
"Why don’t you two beautiful ladies co enjoy yourselves with instead?" His gaze flicked to , sharp and knowing. "Looks like these forr lovers have unfinished business to discuss."
With a subtle squeeze, he steered them away, his words a command disguised as charm.
And just like that, I was left standing between Raymond and the wreckage of my pounding heartbeat, knowing this night had only just begun to get worse.
I ripped my arm free from Raymond’s grip, fury burning through my veins as I glared at him. "Thanks for the help. Now let’s both pretend this never happened."
"Georgia..." His voice cracked with desperation. "I’m sorry. I was consud by anger, by jealousy. I regret everything I did. Please—tell what I need to do for you to forgive . I’ll do anything."
A bitter laugh tore from my throat, sharp and rciless. "Forgive you? Raymond, there’s nothing you can do. Nothing. I will never co back to you—especially after that little ga you and your father pulled on .
You think just because my company is small, you can crush ? Play god with my life and business? Save that energy for Nancy. She’s the one clawing at you for scraps."
I spun on my heel to leave, but he moved fast, stepping in front of with his arms outstretched, careful not to touch but blocking all the sa.
"Wait," he pleaded, his voice tense, almost frantic. "My father—he only acted out because you had jailed. He was furious, humiliated. Any father would protect his son.
You can’t bla him for terminating his contract with you after you canceled the wedding in front of everyone. That was his right. He was protecting and our family’s reputation."
My hands curled into fists at my sides, my chest heaving with restrained rage. "Don’t twist this, Raymond. I expected your father to retaliate. I was ready for that. But doing more than that? The both of you both teaming up to drag my company into the dirt just to punish ?" My voice shook, low and dangerous. "That’s what’s truly disgusting."
I took a deliberate step closer, staring him down until he faltered. "Now, move. I have a party to return to. And the longer you stand in my way, the more pathetic you look."
What he did next rooted to the floor.
Raymond dropped to his knees. His eyes glistened before fat tears spilled down his cheeks. He pressed his hands together like a sinner begging for salvation, like I was the saint he’d betrayed.
"Please, Georgia." His voice cracked, desperate. "I don’t know what you’re talking about. Maybe it was my father, God knows I don’t control him, but I swear, I had no part in whatever you think I did.
Just... let make it up to you. I’ll find out what he did and undo it. Please, Georgia. I am so sorry." His tears splattered against the polished floor as his shoulders shook.
He dragged in a ragged breath, words tumbling out in a rush. "I didn’t an to touch you like that... to hit you. I was out of my mind. Sarah told you ran off with Nick, and I snapped.
I was blinded with anger. I don’t even know if what Nancy said was true. There were no caras, no witnesses. I swear I don’t rember kissing her that night. She must’ve slipped sothing into my drink. Please, love... believe ."
For a single, fragile mont, his words clawed at my chest. My mind betrayed , flashing back to the days when he had been perfect—the smiles, the laughter, the way I once thought he was everything. A tear slid traitorously down my cheek.
But that was it. That was the last one he’d ever get from .
Because the truth burned brighter than any mory: a good man never raises a hand against a woman. A good man never forces her body open like she’s a possession.
And Raymond? He wasn’t a good man. He was a narcissist in love only with himself, with control, with the idea that I would always bend to him.
I didn’t answer. Why waste breath on words he’d never truly hear?
I turned sharply on my heel and walked away, each step heavier than the last, but freeing. Behind , Raymond’s sobs grew louder, his voice breaking as he called my na—louder, more desperate, like a man unravelling.
A damn good actor. But I was done with his stage.
The only man I wanted was inside the grand ballroom. The man who was waiting for . The man who would risk his life over and over just to save mine. He is not perfect. Not like how I t Raymond.
Nick has a dark past, and I accept that. What matters is now and the future. He might be the villain in others’ stories, but he is the hero in mine.
Reviews
All reviews (0)