Chapter 6
“Congrats, man!”
“Finally ditched Valerie. That clingy bitch was orbiting you like some desperate moon. Glad she got the message–honestly, feels like a win–win!”
The air buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses.
Clarissa nestled against Brandon’s side, twirling the diamonds Grandma Westwood had given her, already imagining herself as the future Mrs. Westwood.
The celebration was in full swing–until Brandon’s voice cut thro‘ the room.
“I’m not marrying you.”
The room fell sin a stunned silence.
All eyes locked to him. No one moved.
His grip tightened around the crumpled annulment paper, jaw clenched so hard it trembled with rage.
Clarissa’s smile faltered. Carefully, she asked,
“Bran… don’t you remember? If your grandma hadn’t forced you to marry Valerie, we would’ve been married already. And now–finally
-we’re here. She even gave us her blessing. What’s stopping you?”
Brandon stared at the floor, jaw tight, mind racing with images he couldn’t erase–Valerie, in a wedding dress, arm–in–arm with
another man.
He hated her.
Didn’t he?
So why did the thought of her marrying someone else hurt so damn much?
“I just need to ask her one thing,” he murmured.” She wouldn’t just… walk away. Not like this.”
That flicker of doubt silenced everyone.
Even Clarissa and his boys just stared at him, stunned.
Did Brandon Westwood who’d always mocked Valerie, despised her, dismissed her–actually care?
He said nothing more.
Just turned around and walked out, shoulders stiff, leaving the celebration behind.
Gasps and whispers filled the auction hall. Eyes followed him to the door, stunned by the sudden drama. Clarissa scrambled after him in heels too high for haste. “Bran! Wait!”
Back at the Westwood Estate, Brandon sat on the couch in a daze, glass of wine in hand, untouched.
Clarissa curled up beside him, running her fingers along the curve of his chest, soft and seductive. “I think your grandma’s right,” she purred. “No more hiding. Let’s make it official.
“She’s gone now. Tonight… the whole house belongs to ours.”
She bit her lip and let her hand drift lower, slow and deliberate.
Brandon grabbed her wrist mid–movement, startling her. Chapter 6
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“Not tonight.”
“We’ll talk about marriage later.”
It was the first time she’d been rejected.
Her face stiffened, hand trembling.
But
she tried again, harder this time-
and he slapped her.
The sound cracked across the room, leaving her stunned and breathless.
“Wh–What the hell is wrong with you?” she gasped, holding her face. “You used to want m. What, now that bitch’s gone, you hit me?!
Brandon showed no remorse. His voice turned sharp.
“Don’t ever call her that again. Valerie was my wife.”
Clarissa’s eyes filled with disbelief. Then defiance.
“Was,” she snapped. “You heard your grandma—your little fairytale is over. She’s probably with anotehr man already!”
Smack
The second slap landed harder, splitting her lip and sending her hair tumbling loose.
“I never agreed to the divorce. That means it doesn’t count.”
He pulled out his phone, hands shaking, and dialed Valerie’s number.
“The number you are trying to reach is currently unavailable…”
He called again.
And again.
Each time, the silence on the other end grew heavier–louder than any slap.
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