This Is What She Chose

The door creaked open—Ivette stumbled out, clothes a mess.

"My life's already yours," she slurred. "I just gave Jerick a little pigment, that's all. Don't catch an attitude. And make sure my wedding gift money hits early—I've got an art show to fund."

I laughed, sharp and cold.

"An art show? Or are you just using my name to prop up Jerick?"

Her face tightened.

"Noah Northam! That painting happened because of me. Can't I show off too?"

I pointed at the door.

"Wedding's canceled. Get out."

She snapped her head up, fingers shaking, eyes red and glassy.

Before she could say a word, Jerick strolled in, canvas in hand.

The rose-red pigment hit my eyes too hard.

He set it down in front of me, all sad eyes.

"Noah, I only asked her 'cause I couldn't afford paint. We just needed pigment, that's it. If you're mad, be mad at me. Ivette loves you—don't scare her like this..."

Ivette scoffed, cold as ice. "You hear that? Nothing happened! Do I look that filthy to you? If it's the hymen you're stuck on, I'll go get a brand-new one from the hospital, cool?"

Jerick cocked a brow and handed her a box of birth control.

"So, Ivette... what you said in there still stands? About getting me more pigment?"

Watching them play house after sneaking around made my stomach turn.

Three years ago, she had nothing—literally dropped to her knees, begging, "Noah, I'll do anything if you just help me!"

My family was pushing me to marry, so I made her my girlfriend to shut them up.

Somehow, feelings grew from there.

To keep her from feeling small, I did everything to level her up.

Broke off my original engagement—for her.

My family said she wasn't worth it. I laughed.

I pulled her into Nordica City's elite like it was nothing. Never once held back.

But she's the one who let go first. So why the hell should I keep holding on?

They wouldn't leave, so I did.

Ivette panicked, rushed over, grabbed my arm. "Noah, listen—"

Jerick cut in. "Ivette, he's already laying down rules before the wedding. What's he gonna be like after?"

She froze, then snapped, "Exactly! We're not even married yet! What's wrong with a party? If you're that pressed, go have a bachelor night yourself! See if I care."

I laughed, cold and hollow, and walked out.

Her voice rang out behind me. "Don't get too wild. Wedding's in a few days. Try leaving some dignity for your future wife, yeah?

"And as your wife, whatever you blow on other girls, I want ten times that in my account. Jerick's art show needs funding."

I hadn't even reached the door when her sister Wendy walked in.

One glance at Ivette's bruised-up neck and she smirked.

"Noah, wedding's in three days, right? Couldn't wait till after to hook up?"

Jerick slid an arm around Ivette, all smug. "He's a pushover. What's any of this got to do with him?"

The air went dead still.

Wendy's eyes went wide. "Ivette would never—"

Jerick smirked, holding up the painting.

"See that bright red pigment? That's virgin—"

Smack!

Wendy slapped him clean across the face.

He grabbed his cheek, pissed. "I'm your sister's first man, and you dare hit me?!"

"Enough." I turned and walked out. I wasn't staying another second.

"Noah! Don't you dare leave!" Ivette blocked the door. "You really planned a bachelor party? What does that make me—some pet you keep locked up?"

Wendy jumped in fast. "Noah, if you leave, who's giving me the money? I was gonna trade in my car!

"You're about to get married. You used to love Ivette like crazy—why quit now? Her heart's still yours! Why are you making such a big deal?"

I snapped. "Have you guys said enough?"

Jerick jabbed a finger at me, eyes sharp. "Don't think you're hot stuff just 'cause you've got money. Ivette's only ever loved me! To her, you're just an ATM."

Then he stormed out.