“Fine. I suppose you deserve that much,” she whispers, lifting her chin. “The truth is, I’m not the right person for this sham engagement anymore. I’m sorry it got this far—I really am—but if we keep going through with it, you’ll only have a harder time later.”
Her words are fucking bullets.
I rock back, feeling them vibrate in my bones.
“What the hell, Lena? You can’t believe that. Be serious.”
“I am—and I’msorry. You don’t even know. I was going to think this through for a few more days and tell you first thing once I thought about how ... but we’re here, aren’t we? What’s the point of dancing around it? This isn’t good for you and your brand. I know I signed a contract—but you’ll have your money back, of course. Every penny. I’m not going through with Pawsome Hearts.”
I stare at her.
When I walked into this, I knew she was panicked.
I didn’t know she’d lost her damn mind.
“Lena, come on. This isn’t about the goddamned money. Whathappened?” I’m desperate. I rake a hand through my hair, trying to pull myself together, to keep thinking like a sane man, even though my lungs have seized with panic.
“I’ll say whatever you want to explain the breakup,” she continues, tearing up now. “Whatever it takes. Blame me. Tell the world I cheated or ... or ...”
Her strained voice chokes off.
“Cheated? Fuck! You think I want to announce I couldn’t handle a fiancée for thirty damn days? The love of my life?”
Those last words cut deep.
She looks down, sniffing, blinking back tears.
“... I ... I know. But it’s how it should be.”
Wrong.
She’s never been more wrong in her life, and I can’t believe she’s lying to my face.
I fucking know better.
Lena’s not melting down and cracking under the pressure. She’s too strong for that.
For the first time, anger flashes through my heartache.
“You’re walking, then. You’re leaving me stranded, and you won’t even tell me why.” Every word scorches my throat.
“Because I can’t do it, Brady!” She flares. “Because this isn’t me, and I can’t stand to hurt you. I thought I could when we first agreed, but now I know ... I know better. And I’m sorry you feel misled. All I can offer is damage control. Can’t you just accept that?”
“No. Because this isn’t about my reputation and we both know it.”
She shakes her head fiercely.
“You’re wrong. Stop pointing fingers. I said I’ll help you make up for it. Just let me go.”
I stare at her, beyond bewildered. She doesn’t realize she’s demanding the impossible.
I’ll never let us go,I want to say.
Stupid, I know.
Outrageous, really, when she has the weakest half-hearted lies carved on her face.
There’s no negotiating when she’s in this state, though. Not here, not now.
