I study him. “Were you even planning on promoting me? Or was that just another lie?”
His brow furrows. “Iwas. Definitely planning on it. But I was trying to be respectful of the timing. Wanted to get this done, first.”
Respectful of the timing.
Like I’m an item on his calendar.
A deliverable to be scheduled between board meetings.
“I can’t do this.” The words feel like rocks in my throat. “I can’t be with someone who won’t trust me with my own life.”
I turn and walk out.
He doesn’t follow me.
I grab my coat from my desk, shove my phone in my pocket, and head for the elevator. Cressida says something as I pass but I don’t hear it. Piper smirks from reception andI don’t care.
The elevator doors close and I finally breathe.
The ride home is a blur. Subway to Astoria. Stairs to my walk-up. Keys in the lock, door slamming shut behind me, and then I’m alone in my tiny apartment with its affordable furniture and its dying plant and its walls that have never felt more cramped.
I’m just thankful that I never fully moved into his penthouse. Almost all my stuff is here. That makes this easier.
Makes what easier?
I don’t think I’m going to break up with him.
Or am I?
I should be furious.
Iamfurious.
He lied to me. He went behind my back. He used his money and influence to make decisions aboutmylife.Mypast.Mytrauma.
But Kendrick is gone.
Actually gone.
Not just avoiding me. Not just at a different university.Gone.Fired. Disgraced.
And unable to hurt anyone else.
I didn’t have to be the one to destroy him.
I didn’t have to be brave or strong or go public or relive it all in depositions.
Someone else did it for me.
Letting someone else fight my battle.
Probably not great for my whole independent woman brand.
I sink onto my couch. It’s seen better days but still holds up.
The afternoon light filters through my sheer curtains.
I’m still angry at him.
