hapter 10
1 spotted the familiar car the moment I arrived at the bank.
Last year, on my birthday–after winning a prestigious jewelry design award–I had fallen in love with this limited–edition supercar, the only one of its kind tailored for women in the country.
But my own brother had snatched it up first, gifting it to Isabella instead.
Since then, the car had become yet another trophy in her collection of victories over me.
Everything I loved, Isabella took–the car, and now, even Nathaniel.
After finishing my business in the VIP lounge, I caught sight of her in another private room. She was holding a jewelry case, basking in the staff’s fawning compliments as she “modestly” showed off each piece. “It’s my birthday tomorrow, and Benjamin told me to pick a few pieces to wear. Which one do you think suits me best?”
Those jewels were part of Catherine’s inheritance to him–now reduced to tools for pleasing the very person who had destroyed our family.
Rage burned in my chest.
Nathaniel glanced over too, his gaze softening.
“Not going to say hello?” I mocked.
He straightened. “I told you I’d stay by your side to protect you.”
I didn’t bother responding.
At the bank’s entrance, our paths collided.
“Nathaniel!” Isabella spotted him instantly, her voic
Then-
A car veered out of control, hurtling straight toward me.
“Watch out!” Nathaniel’s expression twisted in panic.
dripping with saccharine sweetness.
In that split second, he let go of me and lunged for Isabella, sweeping her to safety.
Leaving me—completely immobilized–exposed to the crushing weight of oncoming steel.
Screams erupted around us.
59.84
But I wasn’t afraid.
I just stared, cold and mocking, at the man who had just vowed to protect me.
At the last moment, Nathaniel seemed to remember me. He whirled back-
Our eyes met.
Raw terror seized him.
He sprinted toward me–
Too late.
“Emily!” A powerful yank pulled me out of harm’s way.
The car grazed past, missing me by inches.
Alexander stood frozen, his face bloodless, lips trembling soundlessly.
Nathaniel finally reached us. His hands were shaking.
I locked onto his gaze, voice icy, “You promised to protect me. Pathetic.”
His fists clenched. He opened his mouth-
But I was done listening.
“Alexander,” I said, turning away. “Take me home.”
For the first time, I left Nathaniel behind.
And for the first time, Nathaniel chased after me in a taxi.
Rain began to fall, heavy and unrelenting.
I sat by the floor–to–ceiling windows, watching the storm.
He stood below, drenched, staring up at me with that same stubborn, unyielding look he’d had years ago-
The day I found him in the rain.
I turned my head. “Close the curtains.”
The nurse obeyed instantly.
The heavy fabric fell, severing our worlds for good.
