Chapter 9
I stormed out of the restaurant, barely holding my rage in.]]
And guess who was waiting right outside?
Everett.
His face looked like death. When he saw me, he froze.
I kept walking.
He caught up, grabbing my wrist.[]
“Sloane! What did she say to you?“[]
I stared at him.
“Oh, nothing major. Just that she’s pregnant–and the baby’s yours.”
I watched his face for a reaction.]
His mouth opened and closed. His hands fidgeted. He looked like a kid caught stealing.
After a long pause, he took a shaky breath and looked at me with red eyes.
“Sloane, please let me explain. I know I screwed up.”
“But it was a mistake. Just a stupid, one–time mistake. Please believe me!”
I couldn’t believe he was still trying to lie.
One time? One?
So all those other times were just… what? A recurring accident?
I stared at him coldly.
“Everett Vaughn… maybe we should cancel the wedding.”
He panicked.
“No! Absolutely not!”
The heartbreak in his eyes almost looked real.]
But Everett’s always been good at pretending.
At this point, I couldn’t even tell what was real anymore.
And honestly?
I didn’t care.
“I messed up, okay?! I’m an asshole–but I love you.”
“I love you, Sloane Mercer! Please, don’t call it off!”
“We’re two days out! Please just… forgive me this once.”
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Chapter 9
He used to be calm, composed. Always had the upper hand.
But now, here he was–desperate, pathetic, begging.
And for some reason… that was what finally broke me.]]
“Shut up! Everett, do you even know what the truth sounds like anymore?”
“When did it even start? You really want me to spell it out for you?“]
“What did I ever do to deserve this? Huh?! Was it fun–playing me like a goddamn joke?!”
“Did my love really mean that little to you?“]]
His eyes filled with tears. His voice cracked.[]
“I’m sorry! Baby, please–don’t say that. You’re scaring me!“]]
“Everett… did you ever actually love me?“]]
He didn’t even hesitate.
“Yes! I love you, Sloane! I swear I do!”
“I know I hurt you. But I’ll make it right. I swear–no more lies.”
He looked so sure. So convicted.]
And it just made me want to laugh.]
“Okay. I’ll give you one more chance. But if you mess it up again…“]]
I’ve got a little surprise waiting for you.[]
Before I could finish, Everett pulled me into a hug, practically sobbing.
“I won’t! I swear–I won’t ever hurt you again!“]
