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All Chapters of Third Wheeling My Own Relationship: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

9 Chapters

Chapter 1

My eyes stung.I clenched my fists. "I'm going to get dinner."No answer. Not even a glance.I felt out of place, so I grabbed my bag and left.Before closing the door, I looked back.Paige said something that made Enzo laugh. He ruffled her hair, then brushed it off her forehead like it was nothing.They looked so at ease together. My chest tightened.I went to the Cajun place next to the office and ordered blackened fish.While I waited, I scrolled through our group chat.At noon, I'd sent:[Don't forget—it's my birthday! Blackened fish tonight!][Paige: Got it.][Enzo: Paige and I don't like spicy food. Let's get steak.]I'd said yes. Steak was my least favorite food.They'd both been busy. We hadn't sat down for a real meal in forever.Before Paige came along, Enzo and I ate spicy food at every meal.Now, when all three of us went out, we never ordered anything spicy.God, I felt stupid. How had I missed it? Paige came first.My blackened fish arrived, steaming ho

Chapter 2

The first year, he'd left me home alone for a business trip with Paige.The second, he'd played her boyfriend to get her parents off her back about marriage.This year? Today.After everything, I finally broke down.I held back sobs as I typed.[Mom, I wish I hadn't stayed. I want to move to Southport and be with you and Dad.]Enzo never came to bed that night.At dawn, the door opened.Enzo tugged at my blanket, talking to me like I was some clueless kid."It's been all night. You're still upset?"Every fight about Paige went the same way. No explanation. Just the cold shoulder until I got over it.In the morning light, I studied the face I'd known for over twenty years.We'd grown up next door to each other. I'd always followed him around.After I graduated college, my parents moved to Southport for their business.I'd spent a month begging Mom to let me stay.I'd even turned down an offer from a top dance company my mentor had recommended. I gave up the dancing I love

Chapter 3

Around noon, Enzo and Paige came in, one after the other.She had a new bag. I'd seen it in his order history. Over $15,000.My birthday got me $250.I'd shown him that bag when it came out a month ago."Do all you girls like bags like this?" he'd asked."Of course. Paige and I both love that brand."I'd been so excited. I thought it was my birthday gift.Now Paige was carrying it.Enzo stopped at my desk. "Brielle, two coffees. My office."Around other people, he was always my boss, ordering me around.When I brought them in, Paige sat with most of one shoulder bare.Enzo's ears were red as he carefully rubbed ointment on her skin.Paige spotted me and pulled her top up. "Brielle, don't get the wrong idea. An electric scooter clipped me getting out of the car."Enzo's just putting ointment on it."I looked down. "It's fine. Take your top off. Let him finish."Enzo snapped before she could answer."Brielle Bennett, what the hell?"Apologize to her."I gave him a mocki

Chapter 4

Back at the front desk, Megan was helping two visitors.Paige's parents.She leaned in, eager to gossip. "Ms. Carter's parents. They're here to see their future son-in-law!"She lowered her voice. "Guess who?"Enzo Cowan! I told you they were dating!"Last year, Paige had asked Enzo to play her boyfriend so her parents would stop pushing her to get married.I hadn't wanted him to. He'd agreed anyway, saying it was just an act.Play pretend long enough, and I guess it becomes real.I called Enzo's office, my face blank."Mr. Cowan, your future in-laws are at the front desk. They're here to see you."Two seconds of silence. Then a mocking laugh."Brielle, seriously? Sending your parents to pressure me?"Paige rushed out and lowered her voice. "Brielle, I'm sorry. My parents just showed up."Enzo has to play my boyfriend again to get them off my back."Please don't be mad. Last time, I promise."What a joke."We broke up. You don't owe me an explanation."Enzo came out an

Chapter 5

Helen's words stunned him."When?"She flinched and blurted, "Today. Her parents picked her up."I invited them to dinner. We hadn't seen each other in years."But Brielle didn't want to, so they left..."Enzo couldn't believe it.'She left to dodge the blame?'Does she trust me that little? Did she really think I'd make her pay?'He'd just wanted to teach her a lesson.And she'd used her parents' visit as an excuse to leave?'Pathetic. Running away like that!'Enzo grabbed his phone and opened their chat.His demand for a public apology was still the last message.He grew angrier and fired off more.[Brielle! This is ridiculous!][You can't admit you screwed up? What's hiding going to fix?][Don't expect me to come get you. Come back and apologize!]They went through. He waited and waited.Nothing.He tried again.[I'll cover the money. Just admit what you did in front of everyone.]Enzo was about to call Brielle when Paige called.She sounded tired but excited.

Chapter 6

After Grant left, Enzo sat in his car, trying to make sense of it.The screenshot Grant had shown him kept flashing through his mind.[My future son-in-law's company.]Underneath was a photo of the documents on his desk.The profile picture? Paige's mom.Paige had said the other company traced the leak to Brielle's email.She'd even shown him photos to prove it.He'd believed her.'It was all fake.'Brielle hadn't leaked anything.He'd blamed her without checking a thing.No wonder she'd left.Every little thing he'd brushed off came rushing back.The hopeless look in Brielle's eyes before she left.Her birthday. He'd forgotten, then scolded her for getting upset over it.Her resolve when she said she was quitting.Panic hit.His hands shook as he called her.A few busy tones. Then a recording."The person you're calling is unavailable..."She'd blocked him.Paige texted.[How'd it go? Everything okay?]He squeezed his eyes shut, then called her.She answered ri

Chapter 7

Brielle's POVSouthport's mild weather helped me unwind after the move.On the way, I'd told my parents everything.Mom was furious. She spent the whole trip laying into Enzo.Finally, she poked my forehead."You begged me to let you stay in Nordica."If you'd listened, you wouldn't have put up with any of this!"She had a point. I didn't argue.But once we got home, she cooked a whole spread.Cajun lobster, spicy grilled pork... All my favorites.Food Enzo and Paige would never agree to eat with me.I sat down, my eyes stinging.Dad set out the dishes, trying to sound casual. "We know you're hurting. You're my daughter. You don't have to spend your life keeping someone else happy."If you love dancing, start again. I've got your back!"Years of hurt spilled out.Tears hit the table. I wasn't sad. I was relieved.I'd lost myself for Enzo, shrinking behind that tiny reception desk until no one noticed me.My parents showed me I could be loved and put first without earni

Chapter 8

A few days later, Megan called while I was changing after class."Brielle, seriously? You're Mr. Cowan's girlfriend?"And you never told me?"I stopped folding my clothes. "How'd you find out?""Everyone's freaking out. He told us himself!"And Paige got fired. Did you know?"Her parents came in and made a huge scene. He took legal action over the disturbance and the data leak."I listened quietly. None of it mattered now.His love came too late. It just made me sick."Brielle..." Megan's voice softened. "You're really not coming back? He's like a different person. Walks around looking lost every day.""I'm not coming back."Someone tugged my shirt. I looked down. Ellie, the little girl from class.I hung up and patted her head."Ellie, is someone picking you up?"She shook her head, looking glum, then sighed like a grown-up."My uncle's coming. He's always late. You can never count on him."Her serious little face made me laugh. I crouched and smoothed her skirt."It'

Chapter 9

Her voice was hoarse. "I got fired. My reputation's shot."I worked late with Enzo. Did everything to push you out. He still didn't want me."You did nothing, and all anyone remembers is that you were innocent."You moved so far away, and I still lost everything."I shook my head. "I was never competing with you."I always knew you were smarter and more capable than me. You already had so much going for you."Her posture slumped.Her pride crumbled. Her shoulders shook, her voice breaking."Why?"Why did you get to coast at work? Why did you get parents who actually cared? And Enzo loving you for over a decade?"I had to fight just to go to school!"Now you're gone, and he still doesn't want me. I can help him. I'm right for him!"Tears streamed down her face until all she could say was, "It's not fair. It's so unfair."I waited until she finished."Paige, your problems have nothing to do with me."She looked up at me."Was it fair when you kept using work to get closer

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