A hand wrapped around my arm, making me jump and flinch. But his hold was gentle, not like that creepy man.
“Princess, I’m happy to see you.” His warm voice was addictive, his dark eyes gazing at me. “When did you come here? You should have called me.”
Sean took the bag from my hand, and I paused, seeing the pretty woman look at us curiously. She rolled her eyes and walked inside his penthouse as if she owned it.
“Who is she?” I asked. My heart was beating fast, and I felt uneasy. I didn’t know why, but I wanted to go back to my mom’s place and spend the night there.
Maybe I just wasn’t meant for Los Angeles.
His lips pursed. “She’s my ex-fiancée, Liza.”
Of course, she was. Liza was pretty, with stunning features and dark ebony hair. They looked good together with thick dark hair, and she seemed taller than me.
“I’m sorry, Princess. I should have warned you.” He squeezed my shoulder. “I will explain everything to you, but please don’t leave.”
Again, his warm, deep voice seemed sincere. His eyes were hopeful. I couldn’t meet his gaze. I believed him, even though I knew he spent the entire day with her. I had seen them at the café, and he had hugged her like a close friend.Or a lover.
“Okay,” I blurted, ignoring my thoughts.
* * *
I remainedin the guest room, staring up at the ceiling. I could hear the muffled voices of them talking.
Maybe I should have just left.Why did I agree to stay?
Because you like him. I did more than just like him.
I sighed, curling up. How could I compete with someone who had spent over two decades with Sean? Seeing Liza and Sean together made me realize how out of my league he was.
I can still leave.
But something was holding me back. The safety and comfort he provided. I needed that… or I could just wear my big granny panties and walk out. I shouldn’t feel self-conscious when I knew Sean’s feelings towards me, but I couldn’t help it. My old wounds from my past relationship were surfacing, but I wanted to do better for Sean. Be better for him.
Even though I felt like I was interrupting something.
My stomach growled and I covered it. Looking around, I found the water jar empty and closed my eyes.Just my luck.
Wearing the house slippers, I padded downstairs to get some water and paused, hearing his annoyed tone.
“Liza, I cannot do this,” Sean’s voice seemed exasperated. He had never talked to me like that. I frowned and leaned closer to the wall and peered downstairs. They were both standing facing each other.
She let out a mocking laugh. “Youcannot do this?” She pointed her index finger at his chest, her nails long and well-maintained. “You wasted my youth. Gave me false promises and ended our marriage becauseyoucannot do this?”
I couldn’t see his expression since his back was facing me, but I could feel the heavy tension in the living room.
“I loved you,” his voice sounded defeated. Her expression changed. “I loved you more than you did yourself. And it wasn’t enough for you. It was never enough for you. Nothing I did was enough.”
My throat burned. I wanted to run to him and hug him. He had never expressed these emotions before and it made my heart hurt.
Her eyes were watering as she looked away and wiped her tears. “It was suffocating, Sean,” she confessed, shaking her head. “Being loved by you.”
He scoffed. “Is that why you went out with him?”
“Youknownothing happened.” Liza’s face snapped at him. “I never cheated on you.”
He leaned closer, and I felt his emotions change and his voice harden. “Emotional cheating isstillcheating, Liza.”
“Nothing. Happened.”
