Chapter 1
I’m the only woman in New York bold–or stupid–enough to cross the heir to the Ravenshade empire.
And yet, Richard publicly declared he’d marry me, that I was his one and only.
That is, until he took a “business trip” down south and met a brain–fried escort who swore she’d marry no one but him.]
He bought her out of her contract himself, just to make her little fantasy come true.[]
He even went as far as filing wit the court to annul our marriage.]
And then he said, cold as ice:
“This house was never yours to run.“]
So I pressed my finger to the divorce papers and slid them across the table.
“All signed.”
From now on, we’re done–for good.
After I signed the papers, I just sat there all night.
Starting today, I’m no longer Mrs. Scarlett Ravenshade.
And Richard?
He’s finally free to give Lola the fairytale ending she begged for.]
Good for them.]]
Everyone’s happy.
I should be too.
The door creaked open.[]
Richard stepped inside, that apologetic look he always wore when he knew he’d screwed up plastered across his face.
“Scarlett, about yesterday… don’t take what I said to heart, okay?”
I didn’t answer. I just looked away.
Take it to heart? |
My heart had already been shredded to pieces.[]
When I stayed silent, Richard didn’t seem to care.
He pulled a little velvet box from his coat pocket and placed it on the table.[]
Inside was an orchid–shaped pendant.]]
Back when he actually cared, Richard used to buy me gifts whenever I was upset.[]
But this time? I didn’t feel anything.[]
Just as I was about to push it away, he spoke again.]
“These next few weeks might be rough, just hang in there.”
Lela’s a sweet girl. Once she settles in, I’ll make this up to you.“]
I laughed softly. It sounded more like a sigh.]
Sure. Lola’s a “sweet girl“]
So sweet that she couldn’t wait more than a few days after we got back to kick me out of the picture.
I didn’t want to hear another word]
Dropping my gaze, I said quietly.
Chapter 1
“I’m tired. You should go.“]
He frowned, like he was about to argue, but then another person walked in.[]
The air shifted–overwhelmingly floral and fake.[]
“Richie, what did you get your wife? I wanna see too!“[]
Lola breezed in like she owned the place, draping herself over his arm.[]
Richard looked embarrassed. I didn’t even blink.[]
It’s just a pendant. If you like it, take it.“[]
After all, everything you wanted, you already took from me.[]
Lola peeked at the box and snorted.[]
“Oh, that thing?”
“The jeweler tossed it in for free when Richie bought me those earrings.”
“If you’re into freebies, I’ve got a whole drawer full. You can help yourself.“[]
My hand clenched around my napkin, but I kept the smile on my face.[]
So it was a freebie.[]
Richard’s eyes flickered with panic. He rushed to explain:[]
“Scarlett, you know I meant well.“]
“It’s not about the price–just the thought, right?“]
I turned my head, hiding the tear at the corner of my eye.[]
“Sure. I know.“[]
I know the feelings between us are barely hanging on.
And whatever’s left… I don’t want it anymore.[]
I was ready to show them both the door when Lola smiled and said,
“Hey, Scarlett–Richard’s coming with me to try on wedding dresses in two days.“[]
“You should come too!”
“I don’t know what’s trending in NYC bridal looks these days–you’ve got good taste, right?“]
My stomach dropped. I looked straight at Richard.[]
“You want me to come too?”
He bit his lip and looked away.[]
“Lola’s just trying to be nice. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.“[]
It felt like someone was stabbing me in the chest–again and again.[]
I closed my eyes and nodded slowly.[]
“Alright.”
Richard Ravenshade, I’ll give you what you want.[]
And then I’ll walk away–and I won’t look back.
Seven days.
And I’m gone.]]
