“Thank you,
Lorelei. I promise I won’t let you down.”
Watching them embrace was like a rusty blade slicing through my chest, leaving me
breathless.
I felt myself faltering, my legs giving way beneath me as I sank to the floor.
A salty warmth slipped down my cheek, and I wiped it away, realizing it was my tears.
Scott hurried over, helping me up and asking what was wrong.
I closed my eyes and whispered, “Scott, please take me away from here.”
He brought me back to his home, where I recuperated for nearly a week.
During that time, Ryan never called or reached out.
Later, to express my gratitude, I took Scott out to a restaurant, only to run into Ryan and
Lorelei.
Our eyes met briefly, but I quickly looked away, trying to act nonchalant while passing Scott a napkin.
Before I knew it, they had joined us at the table.
“Alexis, what are you doing here? Who’s this handsome guy?” Lorelei asked, feigning
innocence.
“He’s a friend of mine,” I replied curtly as Scott and I began chatting.
Yet, that burning gaze from Ryan remained fixed on me.
“Alexis, Ryan is your fiancé. This doesn’t look good on you,” Lorelei interjected, her tone dripping with sarcasm despite her faux concern.
I took a sip of red wine and shot her a glance. “Since you know he’s my fiancé, what exactly are you doing here with him?”
Her eyes reddened, tears threatening to spill. “Alexis, you’re here with another man, and you’re questioning me?”
Ryan’s voice cut through, cold and accusatory. “What’s going on here?”
Not wanting to engage with him further, I grabbed Scott, who was about to explode, and
2/3
headed for the exit.
What Ryan meant when he talked about my ‘little secrets‘ was simply my friend looking after me while I was hurt.
It seemed he had conveniently forgotten the nature of his relationship with Lorelei, which was far murkier than mine with Scott.
Scott explained, “Ryan, there’s nothing going on between me and Alexis! I have feelings for her, but she’s made it clear she’s not interested. She worked so hard for your wedding. Can’t you see that?”
But no amount of explanation swayed Ryan; he was determined to find me.
Just then, his phone rang, breaking the tension.
“What now?” he snapped, irritation palpable in his voice.
His assistant’s voice rang out. “Mr. Wolfe, the DNA report is in. The body belongs to Ms. Harding! And while I was at the hospital, I… I discovered Ms. Harding’s mother’s body as well.”
Scott heard it all, every word hitting him like a punch.
