“You could’ve hired a lawyer,” he pressed. “You didn’t need to come back. But here you are eight years later—storming into my life like a hurricane.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He shook his head slowly. “After what you said this morning, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s unfinished business between us. If you really betrayed me, why does it feel like I’m the one who broke your heart?”
“I don’t want to relive the past,” I said bitterly. “I was the town slut who cheated on you. You moved on. What else is there to say?”
“What I want,” he said quietly, “is the honesty you never gave me.”
I stepped closer until we were face to face. “Why now?” I demanded, jabbing my finger into his chest. “Because back then, you didn’t deserve an explanation. You broke our vow first—trust. Always trusting each other.”
My words hit him hard. He stumbled back slightly, blinking as if trying to steady himself.
Before he could respond, there was a knock at the door.
“Am I interrupting something?”
With our faces nearly touching, we both turned toward the sound of the voice.
“Lynda?” Ashton frowned. “What are you doing here?”
My former best friend stood in the doorway, her eyes flicking between us. “I thought I’d surprise you with lunch.”
“You know I don’t like surprises,” he replied sharply. “You should’ve called.”
Her smile faltered, but she recovered quickly. “Martha said you didn’t have any appointments—just an uninvited guest.” She gestured toward me.
I’d had enough.
“I’ll leave,” I said. “I wouldn’t want to ruin your lunch date.”
Ashton shot me a warning look. “We’re not finished.”
“Oh, we are,” I replied calmly. “You know where to find me when the documents are ready. I’ll sign this time. You have my word.”
I didn’t wait for his response. I walked past Lynda without looking at her and headed for the elevator, quickening my pace as footsteps followed behind me.
“Bailey, wait!”
I sighed and turned around.
“I know it’s awkward,” Lynda said nervously. “Between me and Ashton. I wanted to tell you, but—”
“What do you want from me, Lynda?” I cut in. “You used to hate him. You warned me he’d break my heart.”
“You were both too young,” she said defensively.
“Funny how you replaced me once I disappeared.”
“That’s a low blow.”
“Did you ever tell him the truth?” I asked coldly. “About the pregnancy. The abortion scheme. The cheating rumors. You’re the only one who knows.”
“It wasn’t my story to tell.”
I laughed bitterly. “And you think it’s ok to be with him without telling him the truth?”
Her face went pale. “We’re getting married next month.”
