Chapter 10

APRIL

Damn Teresa! The vindictive viper had made her presence known.

Apparently, she did follow through with her threat, and not only did I receive the police report, accompanied by a restraining order—as if I wanted to get anywhere near them—but she had also taken it upon herself to tell everyone that her son's broken nose happened when my lover confronted him.

I do not know how the audacity of that family continues to surprise me. Now, to everyone I knew, I was the slut who hurt their beloved son. Someone with no morals who was not worth the trouble.

Clearly, the police report was dropped when I threatened to publish the fictitious photo of her son in the local newspaper.

As for me, I started receiving calls from David's friends. My parents thought they were insults, but after being told about my new profession as a slut, I was only receiving shameless propositions. Dirty perverts! That situation was getting tiring.

My parents had cut ties with the Lanes; both families criticized the other's child for what happened. At times, I felt a little sorry for their ruined friendship.

I took refuge in my work; it was my personal space, where no one could hurt me.

"Hello, April." Just what I needed, Chad's sister.

"Iris, how strange to see you here. I do not recall treating your dog before." The sarcasm in my voice was impossible to miss.

"I just came to see how you were doing after what happened at the wedding and the days that followed. It is none of my business, but..."

"You are right, it is none of your business," I confirmed, crossing my arms over my chest. "Look, Iris, we are not really friends, and I am absolutely sure your brother has already filled you in on everything. That is, if he did not take it upon himself to fill your head with lies too."

"Clearly. I just wanted to check how you were doing, but you are still a bitch. You could have used your fat ass for something other than sitting on it, and maybe you would not have been traded for someone else." I was so angry I thought I would hurt my hand again or break it completely.

"Are you serious? I cannot believe this. Come on, step up and say that to my face." Once my anger is unleashed, there is no going back.

The witch pressed her lips together and stepped toward me, accepting the invitation, which I appreciated so I could shut her mouth.

"April, do not fall for her game, and you, get out." Summer, my assistant, grabbed my arm and pulled me behind her. "I do not understand how you can come here after your brother stole her fiancé." She said it so coldly that Iris left without hesitation. "You need to calm down, you cannot fall for these games. Why do you not take the rest of the day off?"

"I will. I need to go return something. I have been putting it off, but I will do it." I sighed, grabbing the bag with the jacket in it. "If my parents call, could you make something up?"

"And what if David calls?"

"Tell him I went to see my lover." I almost choked on a laugh.

I am usually a calm person, but these past few days I have clearly lost it.

Now, heading over to see Ryan, I feel my hands sweating and the heat suddenly rising.

When I arrive, I do not see anyone. Maybe they had an emergency and had to leave. Bad luck!

As I am writing a thank you note to leave next to the bag, a hand rests on my shoulder, making me jump and scream out of nerves.

"Little pom-pom? I had forgotten how well your lungs work." Oh no, not again.

"They seem to work better around you," I said smiling, but immediately turned serious again. "Is Ryan here?"

"Sure, come with me." I thought about it for a moment. Just a moment, and I followed him. "He has been working out, that is why you did not see us downstairs."

Upon entering, I could see not just one, but five other drool-worthy men in front of me.

Ryan, who apparently noticed my presence, turned to look at me.

"April." His face lit up when he saw me.

"Hi!" I greeted, raising my hand, receiving a collective greeting in return.

"What happened to your hand?" Oh, right.

"Umm... it had a run-in with my ex-fiancé's nose." I hear a loud burst of laughter next to me and turn to see Michael doubled over laughing. Little by little, the others start joining in, and I can only laugh with them.

"You hit him?" Ryan exclaimed. In a way, I felt he was worried, but amusement was winning out.

"I hit him," I exclaimed enthusiastically. "He deserved it. But putting that aside, I came to return your jacket and apologize for leaving the way, well, the way I left."

"It is okay, bunny, but now come here and let's talk about what happened." I hesitated whether to do it or not, but given my track record with men, it is best to decline.

"I am sorry, I cannot. I sneaked out of work early, maybe another day." It is not true, but he does not need to know that. It is just that he makes me feel so many things that it would be best to distance myself a little.

"We do not take no for an answer, right guys?" The bastard used everyone, who gladly supported him.

"Okay, just for a few moments. After all, I have already been labeled a slut." I blurt out without thinking.

"What did you say?"

"Well, let's start the story..." I do not know why I trust them. Maybe it is just the need to hear an outside opinion. To feel a little understood. Or maybe it is the attraction to Ryan; he could get me to tell him anything.

That is another reason not to get close to him again.