Page 85 of Play It Sinful

“It does.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I’ve let this go on for too long.”

“What do you mean,I? I thought there were two people in this relationship.”

His scrunches his brows. “Fine.We’velet this go on for too long. Come on, Ash. We’ve always known this had to end. I just wish we hadn’t given my dad a heart attack before we woke the fuck up.”

I wince. “You seriously believewegave him a heart attack? Come on now.”

“I know we did!” he shouts, making me nearly jump out of my skin.

The last time I saw Sean this angry was when I caught him cutting himself.

“I’m sorry.” He rubs his face. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m trying to do right thing here, Ash. I can’t… I don’twantto be with you anymore. We’re done.”

Just when I thought Sean wouldn’t hurt me again, he does this. He makes me fall in love with him only to shatter my heart into pieces. Angry tears roll down my cheeks, and I hastily wipe them away.

“I see… of all your faults, Sean, I didn’t think cowardice was one of them.”

He grimaces but doesn’t offer a retort as I thought he would. Calmly, he says, “I’m going to stay with my grandparents while Dad recovers.”

“To avoid me? Don’t trouble yourself. I’m going back to Fairbanks today.”

His brows arch. “Please don’t hate Dad because of my decision, Ash. He needs you now.”

I let out a derisive laugh. “He doesn’t need me. He has Mom, Kenzie, you, and the rest of the family. And I don’t hate him. But I can’t say the same about you.” I point to the door with a shaky hand. “Please, leave.”

Sean doesn’t move, and I fear I might have to drag him out, even though I don’t think I could budge him if he wanted to stay. His face is a cold mask, but his eyes are fucking sad. This decision is breaking his heart too, but I can’t find an ounce of sympathy for him when he’s making it for the wrong reasons.

He finally moves, and it’s me who looks away first. I stare at the floor. He pauses next to me for a second, and my traitorous heart skips a beat, hoping he’ll change his mind.

“Are you going to tell Marnie?” he asks in a small voice.

Disappointment overwhelms me again. “What’s to tell? We’re done.”

Without another word, Sean walks away, and I don’t dare to breathe until he’s gone.

I rush to close and lock the door before I allow the agony to consume me. I slide against the hard surface until I’m on the floor with my head between my knees. A loud sob escapes me, but I bite my lower lip, trying to cry quietly. Sean doesn’t get to hear me fall apart.

CHAPTER 38

ASHLEY

PRESENT DAY

We’re in the bridal suite, getting ready for Riley’s big day. I look at my reflection in the mirror and wrinkle my nose. Why did I ever agree to be a bridesmaid in Jesse and Riley’s wedding? The dress isn’t ugly, but it makes me look like a fairy-tale princess, and I hate fairy tales. They’re false propaganda of happily ever afters. Such bullshit.

“What’s with the face, Ash?” Gia asks from her chair. The hairdresser is adding the final touches to her hairdo. She looks stunning, and I bet Noah won’t be able to take his eyes off her.

I shake my head and reach for my champagne glass. “Nothing.”

“Who do you think will be the next one to get married?” Zoey asks. Unlike me, she believes everyone will get a Prince Charming and a happy ending.

We all turn to Gia.

“Hey, why are you looking at me?”

“Well, you’re already knocked up.” Zoey shrugs.

Her brows arch. “So? I don’t want to get married yet. Besides, I want Noah to propose because he’s ready, not because we’re having a baby together.”

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