Chapter 2
On the drive home, I cranked the windows all the way down, letting the wind tear through the car and whip against my face.[]
Three years.]
I’d been such an idiot for three whole years.
When I first told him I wanted to design our home myself, he spun me around in his arms and said: “Of course! Because everything you make is amazing!”
In that moment, I really thought he’d put me on a pedestal.]
He had to remember.
That day when the thug’s knife came at him, and I threw myself in front of it without thinking. The wound missed my heart by less than an inch. I was unconscious in the hospital for three days straight while he sat by my bed, crying and promising to love me forever.]
But it meant nothing to him.]
Or maybe, in his mind, that scar was just his free pass to do whatever the hell he wanted.]
The doctor had warned me–too much emotional stress could aggravate the old injury. I tilted my head back, trying to swallow down the bitter feeling rising in my throat, but my chest felt like it was caving in.]
Suddenly, Kieran’s call came through.
Rock music was blasting in the background.[]
“Quinn, the guys are throwing me a bachelor party tonight. Get some sleep, don’t wait up.”
I was quiet for a beat.
“Okay.“]
At 1 AM, I was tossing and turning, unable to sleep. I opened Instagram.
Javier had posted a photo series with the caption: [Here’s to my best bro’s last night of freedom!]]]
Right in the center of the nine photo grid, Luna was laughing sweetly, clutching that glittering bag, practically draped all over Kieran. And his hand was steady on her waist, holding her close.]
The comments were going wild:,
Holy shit, is that ‘Starlight‘? Kieran’s throwing serious cash around!]
[These two look perfect together, what a shame…]]]
@kieran_davidson Chill out man, don’t let Quinn see this!!
Kieran actually replied himself.]
“Quinn’s not petty like that. If she’s gonna start drama over this, maybe we shouldn’t even get married.”
I closed the app, my face blank.
He knew I wouldn’t dare say anything. Just like he knew I’d swallow him selling our house, buying Luna a three–hundred thousand–dollar bag, and making excuse after excuse with “we’re just friends.”
But this time, the place in my heart that had been stabbed didn’t hurt anymore.]]
I was done taking it.
I went to my medical follow up alone.
“How many times do I have to tell you? The wound acts up when it’s humid–you need someone here with you for the medication routine.“]
Listening to my doctor’s frustrated lecture, I managed a weak smile
“I can handle it by myself.“]
Not long after leaving the hospital, it started pouring rain.
I ducked into a corner cafe to wait it out, and when I looked up, there was Kieran, grinning as he held up a spoon while Luna leaned over to take a bite of the cake he was feeding her.[]
That limited edition platinum bag was hanging from her arm, still gleaming. W
And the watch on her wrist? That was the “important client gift” Kieran had mentioned last week.
I let out a bitter laugh and ran home through the downpour.
