Chapter 2

Donovan and Rebecca handed me the phone.

Loree's voice came through.

"Rowan, something serious happened. Harvey's not doing well. I want to grant one of his wishes first."

I went quiet. Didn't even know what to say.

She'd run from our wedding so many times—and never once apologized. Now she was choosing to marry him.

No explanation. Just one line—Harvey's in trouble.

That was enough for her to throw everything away and marry him instead.

And me?

I'd wasted time, money, everything—proposing over and over before she finally said yes.

I used to think if I tried harder—loved her more—things would get better.

Today, I got it.

To Loree, my love was disposable.

If that's how it was, there was nothing left to hold onto.

I grabbed the bank card off the table. Fifty grand. Meant for her.

Their smug looks froze.

Donovan slammed his hand over mine.

"Rowan, don't rush this. Don't be impulsive. I'll call Loree back right now. Calm down, okay? She's just being immature. You're not seriously going to make a scene too, right? Stay steady."

He was talking to me, but his eyes stayed glued to the card.

Rebecca snapped out of it and hurried to call Loree.

I ignored them and slipped the card into my pocket.

Someone must've warned her. A while later, she showed up—with Harvey.

She clutched his hand like he might bolt, then walked straight at me. "Rowan Rheinberg, what are you doing? I told you Harvey's life was in danger. I went to save him! And now you're taking the money back? Do you even want this marriage? Didn't I tell you to wait? Why can't you just be reasonable?"

Harvey sagged against her, voice soft. "Rowan, I'm sorry for ruining your wedding. But I've got no one except Loree. She's the only family I have."

He lifted their joined hands and shot me a faint, smug look.

Loree didn't miss a beat. "Harvey has nothing left but me. I can't let him lose that too."

She said it like she had the moral high ground—like I was the problem.

Guess she forgot I had no one either.

She'd left me here, surrounded by people who looked down on me, making me eat their laughs and their contempt. Over and over.

She couldn't stand Harvey being alone. Wanted to give him comfort and care.

What about me?

I didn't say it. Didn't care to argue anymore.

I just wanted out.

The girl I'd spent ten years with didn't see it. Didn't see I was done. She just kept going.

"Rowan, can't you be a little understanding? I just left a few times. Is it really that serious? Not getting married? How can you even say that to me?"

She knew exactly how to use my feelings against me.

I'd never said break up. Never said I was leaving—not even in our worst fights.

I knew what those words could do.

Today was the first time I said them.

And she still didn't think I meant it. Just couldn't believe I'd dare.

I ignored her and headed for the door.

Loree sneered. "Fine, go. But leave the money. We invited all these relatives—we need an explanation. And Harvey didn't even go to the hospital. He came straight here. You owe him compensation for emotional distress."

I stared at her.

How does someone say that with a straight face?

Harvey flashed me a quiet V sign. Smiling like he'd already won.

They wanted the money?

I let out a sharp laugh.

"You want me to pay this side piece for emotional distress? Fine. I'll pay him."

I shoved past her and swung.

My hand cracked across Harvey's face.

He hit the floor, clutching his cheek, staring up at me.

The whole room went dead still.

I raised my hand and scanned the room, then let my gaze land on Loree's shocked face.

"This is the compensation. Anyone else want some?"