Chapter 2
“Well, losing it might not be the worst thing. When we get married, we can just buy another one. Or maybe even upgrade to a bigger place. What do you think?”
Harvey spoke as though he was seriously imagining our future, stealing glances at me, waiting for my reaction. I noticed, of course, but pretended I didn’t.
Normally, I’d be overjoyed–probably crying happy tears. But now? I couldn’t even muster a single tear for him.
My coldness killed his vibe. He could tell I was upset, but he wasn’t about to try and fix things. The fact that he’d even made an effort tonight was rare enough.
1/8
Chapter 2
+5 Points
When he went to shower, his phone started buzzing relentlessly. The sound grated on my nerves, so I picked it up and glanced at the screen.
Leigh had sent him a series of photos- wedding pictures of the two of them. Some in classic outfits, others in more modern styles.
My chest tightened, the pain dull but suffocating.
So, this is what it was. His impatience, reserved just for me.
I remembered the time I’d excitedly dragged him to look at wedding dresses. But every single time, he’d bailed.
“It’s all the same. Just pick something, he’d said.
2/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
That frown of his still burned into my
memory.
His impatience with me? That was real.
And the tenderness in those photos? That was real, too..
“What the hell are you doing?”
Suddenly, steam billowed in as Harvey stormed out of the bathroom, snatching the phone from my hand. He yanked it so violently that I stumbled backward onto the bed.
“Do you not understand the concept of privacy?” His face was flushed from the hot shower, but his voice was as cold as ice, sending a shiver through me.
3/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
I glanced down at my hand. His grip had left a scratch, and it was bleeding.
Honestly, even if he hadn’t caught me, I wouldn’t have scrolled any further. I’d already seen it all–the thousands of flirty messages. I’d read them all one sleepless night, from midnight until sunrise.
By the time I was done, my eyes were swollen, but I still had to fake being fine, pretending I’d just woken up.
Who would’ve guessed? Seven years together, and it was always just me-
Who would’ve ques
nagging, pleading, trying to spark something. Once in a while, if he was in the mood, he’d toss me an emoji as a reply. I was nothing but a clown.
“Sorry, I muttered, lowering my eyes. “I won’t touch your phone again.”
4/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
He froze, clearly caught off guard by my
response.
“Those photos… Harvey said trying on wedding dresses is exhausting, so I… I just helped her try some on. That’s all,” he stammered. “You know her brother passed away. I was just doing this for him. Don’t get the wrong idea.”
I stayed silent, letting him stumble through his pitiful excuses.
Leigh’s bro es
Peck, had been Harvey’s friend. Back when Harvey was struggling to get his business off the ground, Peck had rushed to deliver a flash drive to him but ended up in a car accident.
He’d been rushed to the ER but didn’t make
- it.
5/8
Chapter 2
+5 Points
Before he died, Peck made Harvey promise to look after his sister.
And Harvey kept that promise. He took care of her–really well.
What started as a distant obligation turned into him involving himself in every little detail of her life.
I sniffled. There were only a few days left before I left for good. I didn’t see the point in holding anything back anymore.
“Don’t worry about me getting the wrong idea,” I said softly. “Honestly, if you and Leigh got married, I think it’d be a good match…”
Before I could finish, his hand struck my face, the slap ringing out, sharp and clear.
6/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
“What the hell is wrong with you?” he yelled. “Leigh only sees me as her brother! Do you think she’s as cheap as you?”
The sting on my cheek burned, hot like fire.
Yeah, Leigh wasn’t like me. She didn’t throw herself at him like some cheap fling.
Tears welled up in my eyes, but before they could fall, I saw the flicker of panic on his face.
His tone softened. “I… I didn’t mean that. I’m sorry.”
For a moment, I wanted to tell him everything. “Harvey, I’m getting…”
But his ringtone interrupted me.
He answered, and a woman’s voice echoed
7/8
through the cold, quiet bedroom.
“H–Harvey! I had a nightmare! I dreamed about my brother… I’m… I’m so scared…”
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