Page 24 of Faking It With the Single Dad

I turn to see Ryan standing behind me with a cold expression that sends chills down my spine.

“Ryan,” Mrs. Greenwich says, her tone suddenly sweet. “We were just—”

“Gossiping,” Ryan finishes for her, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. “About Bella. I don’t care who you are—you don’t get to talk about her like that. Not here. Not anywhere.”

“Ryan, darling, you misunderstand. We were just making an observation.”

“Oh, please. What you were doing was tearing her down. And for what? To make yourselves feel better?” His icy gaze sweeps over the group, making each woman shift uncomfortably.

“Now, wait just a minute,” Claire pipes up, her voice shaky. “We didn’t mean any harm.”

Ryan’s gaze snaps to her, and she immediately wilts under his glare. “You were comparing her to people who you don’t think are in her league because she doesn’t fit your narrow, outdated idea of someone who ‘belongs’ here.”

Mrs. Greenwich’s lips press into a thin line. “Ryan, we were simply reminiscing. Caroline and Vivienne were—”

“Gone,” Ryan interrupts sharply. “They’re gone. And neither of them ever had the strength Bella has shown just by walking into a room full of people like you and holding her head high. So don’t you dare try to belittle Bella when she’s worth more than all your empty words combined.”

The group is silent now, looking humiliated.

“I’m warning you,” Ryan continues in a low and dangerous voice. “Bella is with me now, and if I hear even a whisper of this nonsense again, we’ll have a much bigger problem. Are we clear?”

Mrs. Greenwich’s jaw tightens, but she nods, knowing better than to push him further. “Of course, Ryan. We wouldn’t dream of—”

“Good,” he says curtly. “Then enjoy the rest of your evening and stay out of Bella’s business.”

Ryan takes my hand—not gently, but firmly—and starts leading me toward the exit.

“We’re leaving,” he says, his voice low.

I don’t argue.

The car ride is silent until I finally speak. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

“Done what?” he asks without taking his eyes off the road.

“Defended me,” I say, my voice trembling. “I’ve been dealing with people like her ever since Caleb left. I don’t need you to save me.”

“I’m not trying to save you, Bella. I couldn’t stand there and let them treat you like that.”

I shake my head, staring out the window. “You don’t get it. This isn’t new for me. It’s my life.”

“And that’s supposed to make it okay?”

“Excuse me?”

Ryan tightens his grip on the steering wheel as his jaw clenches. “You know what, Bella? That’s your problem right there.”

“Again, excuse me?”

“You just sit there and take it,” he says, his voice rising. “You let people like Mrs. Greenwich walk all over you, and instead of standing up for yourself, you just roll over and accept it.”

“That’s not fair,” I snap, heat rushing to my face. “You don’t know what I’ve been through!”

“I know enough!” he shoots back, finally glancing at me. His eyes burn with frustration. “You’re so quick to play the victim, Bella. But when are you going to realize you’re stronger than this? You don’t have to put up with their crap. You’re just choosing to because it’s easier.”

My hands curl into fists in my lap. “You think any of this is easy for me? Dealing with their whispers, their stares, their constant judgment? I didn’t ask for this, Ryan. And I sure don’t need you swooping in like some knight in shining armor, acting like you know what’s best for me!”

“Maybe someone needs to, because you’ve clearly decided you’re fine being miserable.”

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