Chapter 9

He thought I didn't know about the times he'd hidden Brielle in the office.

But I had heard them loud and clear:

"Come on, let's do something exciting."

"Aren't you worried Skylar might hear us? She's just in the next room."

"So what? Even if she hears, she won't dare break up with me."

The rest was even worse, sounds I had tried to convince myself I was imagining.

Eventually, I stopped lying to myself. That's when my heart died.

I added casually, "Next time, skip the post-game cigarette. You didn't even last as long as it takes to finish one."

I could practically see Carter's expression on the other end—stunned and furious.

Before he could blow up, I hung up and blocked his number.

Hayden, who had been quietly watching, started clapping. "I didn't know you could roast someone so savagely. That was incredible."

I blinked, surprised he'd heard it all. "I swear I'm not usually like this. Do you believe me?"

He smiled, the corners of his mouth lifting. "I think it's refreshingly honest. I kind of like it… no, I mean, I respect it."

I ducked my head, avoiding his gaze.

The sunset that evening cast a warm glow, painting his ears a faint shade of red.

"You just need to meet him once. Your dad has good judgment."

Despite moving closer to work, I couldn't escape my mom's relentless matchmaking.

"Your dad's getting old. He just wants to see you settled. I worry that when we're gone, you'll have no one to shield you from the world…"

"Stop it!" I interrupted. "You're going to live forever!"

After much thought, I finally gave in.

At twenty, I had jumped into a whirlwind romance, ignoring every piece of advice my parents gave me.

Nine years later, I returned home, broken and ashamed of my own foolishness.

Now, all I wanted was to ease their worries.

"Fine. Set it up. If it works out, we'll get engaged." all I wanted was to put their worries to rest.

"Alright. Set it up. If it goes well, we'll get engaged."

Maybe this was how life was supposed to be.

Love felt like the last thing on my mind.

Brielle flooded Instagram with updates, as if she thought I might miss a single post.

"Guess who got a custom diamond ring from their special someone? Oh right, it's me."

"We're one of a kind."

Before, Carter's need to defend her kept me silent.

Now, I didn't hold back, commenting publicly:

"Isn't same-sex marriage still illegal in many places? How did you and your 'friend' end up together?"

"Congrats on moving from mistress to main. That must've been a challenge."

"Just keep an eye on him; wouldn't want him hiding someone else at work."

I sent her the same messages in private.

She called me, furious, but I just deleted her number and blocked her.

Later, I found myself at a bar, nursing my drink, feeling nothing but a deep exhaustion.

Toxic people and their drama were a thing of my past.

Including Carter, and those nine wasted years.

I didn't care anymore.

Still, tears rolled down my cheeks.

But not for Carter.

They were for me, for holding onto something so wrong for so long.

I had been so naïve.

"Why are you drinking so much?" Hayden took my glass away. "Girls shouldn't overdo it."

"And?" My words came out slurred, heavy with alcohol.

"It's late. Too much drinking isn't good for you."

"Ugh, you're annoying… fine, I'll stop. I want to go home."

Somehow, I ended up in his arms, mumbling as he carried me.

"Not to my parents' place. Don't take me there… somewhere else…"

I wasn't even sure which way I was pointing.

"Maybe I'll get married soon," I mumbled, laughing softly as I wrapped my arms around his neck. "Are you happy for me?"

"Yeah."

"If you're happy, why don't you kiss me?"

He froze, surprised. "I… can I?"

Instead of answering, I leaned in and kissed him.