Chapter 10
Three months later, at a company networking event.
I had recently been assigned as secretary to the new director, Finn Grant.
As I turned slightly to introduce the executives from a partner company, a hand suddenly yanked me away.
Jack.
The director’s brows lifted in surprise. “This gentleman, ”
“She’s my wife, got it?” Jack cut in, his voice sharp.
I was equal parts furious and mortified. Without thinking, I kicked him square in the ass.
“We’re divorced, got it?”
“If you’ve got brain damage, go get it checked, got it?”
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
The director, clearly amused, took a step closer and said in a low voice, “I’m her boss, got it?”
I groaned inwardly and covered my face.
Jack wasn’t deterred. “I don’t care if you’re her boss or not. Men and women should have boundaries. Standing this close? You’re way over the line.”
Oh, the audacity.
I clenched my fists, barely resisting the urge to slap him.
“Jack, where was all this talk about boundaries when you were pressing cheeks with your little sweetheart, sharing a drink?”
The murmurs around us shifted. I saw my colleagues exchanging knowing glances, their expressions turning icy toward Jack. Realizing he was losing control of the situation, he grabbed my wrist and dragged me outside.
“Emily, come on. Just… give me a little face, will you? I’m worried about you.”
“I know I screwed up before. I’ll cut ties with Zoe right away.”
“Give me another chance. Let me court you properly this time. Believe me, we can fix this.”
A laugh burst from my lips, sharp, hollow, and entirely devoid of warmth.
“Jack, don’t you think you’re acting exactly like I used to? I remember when I used to follow you around, hoping you’d notice me. You found it annoying. You asked me if I was desperate.”
I tilted my head, watching the realization sink in.
“So tell me, Jack. Who’s the desperate one now?”
His face twisted with guilt as he lowered his head. When he looked up again, his eyes had that wounded-puppy look he always used to manipulate me.
“Emily… you really know how to hurt me now.”
I shrugged. “That’s because I don’t love you anymore. I can be ruthless, just like you were to me for those two years.”
“So let’s be clear, whether you’re chasing after me or begging for forgiveness, it’s not about love. If you loved me, you wouldn’t have hurt me in the first place.”
“No, Jack. This is just your ego talking. You can’t stand the fact that no one worships you anymore.”
I took a step closer and dropped my voice to a near whisper.
“And for the record? You disgust me now. Stop showing up in front of me.”
Jack stood frozen, looking utterly lost. Then, with slow, reluctant steps, he walked away.
I turned back and reentered the reception hall.
The moment I stepped inside, I locked eyes with Finn.
He was casually sipping champagne, his lips quirked in amusement.
He lifted his glass toward me and grinned.
“Badass.”
