Matthew stares at me, his expression shifting from confusion to a dawning understanding.“He could demand full repayment tomorrow.An acceleration clause tied to your relationship status.”
I nod miserably.“Either I play the dutiful fiancée, or I lose everything.”
“Trapped,” Matthew repeats, the word a bitter curse on his lips.
“Trapped,” I confirm in despair.
“Fucker,” he mutters.
I shrug, a humorless smile twisting my lips.“Men like James always get their way.I should never have signed that loan agreement.But he’d just promised me forever with this jaw-dropping diamond ring.When I read that clause, it didn’t even faze me.I didn’t know I was signing a life sentence while he was signing his freedom.The freedom to…” I swallow hard.“The freedom to do whatever the hell he wants.I’m stuck because I want to keep my business.And he will do whatever it takes to keep his image intact.”
“Men like James are scum,” Matthew says.
“And women like me are dumb,” I conclude with a self-deprecating laugh.
His gaze softens.He tilts my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes.“Don’t say that.I’m sorry you’re going through this.But that doesn’t make you dumb, Amy.”
I turn my face away, shame burning my cheeks.“It’s just… Nobody’s ever invested in me the way he has.He believed in me, and I mistook his support for love.”
“That’s understandable.”
“Yeah, but no less foolish.”I shift uncomfortably, the weight of his gaze heavy on me.
“It’s not foolish to believe in someone who promises you the world.”
“That’s not why—” Frustration tightens my chest.“Anyway, it doesn’t matter.”I pull my feet out of the water.
“Of course it’s not why,” Matthew agrees, exasperated.“I didn’t mean—”
I push to my feet.“I said it doesn’t matter.”
“Amy, come on.”
I walk toward the towering trees at the back.
“I know it’s not about what he offered you,” he says, following me.
I whirl around.“I loved him!A part of me still loves him—” My voice cracks.The tears I’ve been fighting spill over.
I wipe furiously at my cheeks.Risking a glance at Matthew, I see the pity in his eyes.
He thinks I’m pathetic.
He stands there, watching me with an intensity that makes my heart pound.
“Out with it already.I can hear you thinking,” I snap, stepping closer.
“Truth?”he asks, serious.
“Please.”
He pauses, eyes searching mine.“The truth is, you have a courage I struggle to comprehend.The courage to trust someone with your whole heart, only to watch them shred it to pieces.I can’t imagine how scary that must feel.”He steps closer, clenching his jaw.
I inhale sharply, tears swimming in my eyes.
“The strength it takes to feel so helpless, but still choose to stay—”
“I’m not helpless,” I object past the tightness in my throat.
