Chapter 9
On the other end of the line, Clarissa let out a sharp laugh.
“Oh, come on. Don’t act so composed. I bet you’re seething right now, aren’t you?”
“After all that, Brandon’s still going to be my husband. And You? You’re just a discarded whore.”
She didn’t stop there.
“He’s in the Bellmere right now, you know–shopping for my engagement ring. That’s how much he cares about our wedding.”
I didn’t even blink.
Whether Brandon had come to Bellmere to confront me or buy Clarissa a diamond, it no longer mattered.
All that mattered… was that he was no longer my bburden.
“You’re overthinking it, Miss Monroe. I truly do wish you both the best.”
“Knowing the Westwoods, the ceremony will be broadcast tomorrow. I’ll watch it from here might as well congratulate you in
advance.”
Clarissa was gearing up for another round of gloating, but I ended the call without hesitation.
The next evening, Lucas and I stepepd out for a walk.
And there, at the foot of our building, stood the last person I wanted to see.
Brandon.
His eyes locked on us–and his steps faltered. “That him… your ex?”
I wrapped my arm around Lucas’s without hesitation.
“None of your business.”
Brandon stepped in front of us, voice hard with disbelief.
“What do you mean it’s not my business? Are you living with him now?”
Lucas calmly stepped between us. “That’s between Valerie and me. Please respect her choice.”
Brandon didn’t respond, He threw a punch.
Lucas hit the ground.
“What the hell is wrong with you?!” I cried, rushing to help.
Lucas shook his head, stood up slowly.
Brandon’s eyes burned red. “So that’s it? You only care about him now? Did you forget–I’m your husband!”
I met his gaze, cold and unwavering.
“A husband doesn‘
his wife to a room full of strangers. Whatever you were, you aren’t anymore.”
Ihelped Lucas steady himself and took a deep breath.
Clarissa called. Said you two are getting married. Congratulations.”
“But maybe stop calling yourself my husband–it sends the wrong message.”
Brandon’s expression twisted in desperation.
Chapter 9
100.00%
“No–it’s not what you think. I never wanted to marry her. Grandma’s the one pushing it. If you come back, I’ll make her leave. I
promise.”
Even now,
he still thought I’d go back with him?
After everything?
Not in this lifetime.
“Don’t bother. Let’s never see each other again.”
At that moment, his phone rang–Clarissa’s name flashing on the screen.
While he took the call, I tugged Lucas away and didn’t look back.
That night, the internet exploded with wedding footage.
Clarissa, dressed in a couture whitegown, stood alone onstage, looking like she was on the edge of collapse.
She paced in circles, calling Brandon over and over.
When he finally answered, her voice turned hysterical.
“Brandon, where are you?! The ceremony already started! You want me to stand here like some kind of joke?! I’m so humiliated!”
Apparently, he didn’t give her a satisfying answer.
She lost it completely, trashing the wedding venue in front of cameras and guests alike.
Lucas and I had just sat down at a restaurant when my phone lit up again.
It’s Brandon.
I hesitated–then picked up.
“I’m not marrying Clarissa,” he said. “Valerie, please… just give me one more cha-”
A loud crash cut him off.
Startled, I hung up, unsure of what I’d just heard.
Moments later, a news alert popped up.
“Billionaire Brandon Westwood hospitalized after major car crash.”
Photos showed his body being pulled from the wreckage–covered in blood, unconscious.
And then-
Across the table, Lucas pulled out a small velvet box and opened it with a warm smile.
I didn’t hesitate.
I reached out my hand.
This time… neither of us would let go.
