le

trollably as I stare a

Jess and Maximus keep playing on repeat. She's all over him-kissing him

akes sen

rk trips, the endless meetings I always thou

ne. You were never really

I read those words a

bag and start the car. Maximus has made it crystal clear that

sion, my heart drops. I can see my luggage scatte

toward the house, but the security guard i

der for you to leave and n

n disbelief. He must be joki

," I insist, trying to push past him, bu

lmly, while I struggle to catch my breath. I feel like

bles as I ask, "Did Maxi

ir. It's not his. My head snaps up, and I see her-a tall woman stridin

r. The last time I saw

re nothing but a substitute,Selene. He sees you as nothing m

but I force it down. I try

ad, frantically loading my luggage into the car. I told myself I wou

ed before I could even share the ne

e last box into the trunk and

hard stare. "You thought Maximus' company was going bank

split second, and I catch the faint flush o

s? Then

naps, cutting me off. Her fists clench at her

from shock to fu

bit

s a fistful of my hair. I desperately wrench

hell is

h spin

just a few feet away, their j

undeniable, and for a brief mo

he hell have yo

Jess and me before finally settling on me. I fall silent while my heart

who promised me everything just three years ago? Now, a

ce to smug satisfaction as she rushes t

nd sincere. "I tried to calm her down, to make her stay, but she just... l

that he believes all of Jess's lies. What's even more unbelievable is t

her hands on her hips. "She's a piece of shit who only marri

aximus will defend

the mention of a child. The thought crosses my mi

"Your account will be wired fifty million dollars soo

ks away, leaving

down my face. He doesn't respond or turn bac

tes me, even my own father. My mother passed away when I

y parents. Even though my biological mother is gone, I still cons

When the door slowly creaks open, I'm

what happen