He must’ve seen the fire in my eyes because his expression softened, and he moved to pull me close. His arms around me, his familiar scent—it should’ve comforted me. Instead, it only made my rage burn hotter.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered into my hair. “I shouldn’t have yelled. I just don’t want to risk us being found out. Marrying her doesn’t change how I feel about you.”
I shoved against his chest, torn between wanting to believe him and knowing better. I’d heard it all. It didn’t matter anymore.
“Just say sorry to her,” he said, voice gentler now. “Pretend. For us.”
I let out a long sigh, drained from the emotional rollercoaster. “Alright.” The word came out bitter, like poison.
His face lit up, pleased—like he’d just won a warped prize.
“Perfect. I’ll make it up to you. Tonight, just the two of us.”
A reckless thought surged through me. I tilted my head, smirking.
“No need. I already have plans. I’m going on a date.”
It was a lie, but one meant to cut deep. I wanted him to feel the sting I’d felt.
His grin vanished. “You’re lying.”
I crossed my arms defiantly. “Not this time. I’ve moved on. I don’t need to pretend with anyone. Unlike you.”
He advanced, his face inches from mine, fury simmering just beneath the surface.
“You’re not allowed to date.”
A hollow, bitter laugh escaped me. “Oh really? So you’re free to marry, but I can’t even go on a date? That’s not just messed up, Marcus—that’s pathetic.”
His hands latched onto my arms, hard this time, no pretense of tenderness.
“You belong to me, Annette. You always have.”
I wrenched free, heart pounding in my chest. “Then prove it. Choose—me or her.”
He shook his head, face tightening with frustration. “You’re being ridiculous.”
I drew in a deep breath, steadying myself as I delivered the blow that couldn’t be taken back.
“I’m not yours anymore, Marcus. That ended the moment you chose her. I’ll live my life how I want.”
With that, I turned and walked out, slamming the door shut behind me.
And this time—I didn’t look back.
---
The city lights blurred behind rain-speckled glass as the cab carried me away, the glow casting streaks of color across my face. I stared out the window, Marcus' furious face haunting my thoughts, his possessive words looping in my mind like a broken tape.