Page 74 of Wish I Didn't Want You Back

“I felt trapped.”

“Do you think I was thrilled about this arrangement? I didn’t ask for this either, but I was willing to suck it up, because I needed that marriage to happen.”

I blinked. “Wow. I’m flattered.”

He sighed. “I’m not trying to be an ass, but I did my part. I lived up to my end of the deal.”

“Do you hear yourself? This was nothing more than a business deal.”

He rolled his eyes. “All you had to do was smile for the cameras and make me look good, and you would have been set for life.”

I exhaled sharply. “I haven’t busted my ass to make a name for myself in the business world, just to settle and be a piece of arm candy.”

Baz would never understand my reasons because the plan worked for him. He never cared about the cost to me. I was merely the tape that held it all together.

“So, what you're saying is you busted your ass, walked away from millions to live in bumfuck nowhere and play house in the woods?”

Brooks tensed beside me. “Watch your mouth.”

“My family’s reputation took a hit. You embarrassed me, and for what? Because you got cold feet? We had everything lined up. It was the perfect partnership. You could have had it all. Instead, you decided to blow it up.”

“I get that you’re mad, but I don’t want that life.”

His face darkened. “You needed it enough when you agreed to marry me.”

I thought I needed it until I looked at myself in the mirror while wearing that dress. I felt more like a prisoner on a perp walk than a bride ready to walk down the aisle.

“My priorities have changed.”

Baz let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. “Please. You’re just trading one arrangement for another. You want the house, and being married is the only way you’re going to get it.”

My breath caught, and Brooks tensed beside me. “You’re right. I do want my mother’s house, but that’s not the whole story. Brooks isn’t some replacement or means to an end. I loved him long before you and I made that arrangement.”

“You are making a huge mistake. I hope the house is worth it.”

I shook my head. “No. I made a mistake five years ago that nearly cost me my happiness. I will not make that same mistake again.”

He grabbed the house key out of his pocket and threw it on the table. “Good luck to you, Harlow, because when this little charade blows up in your face, don’t come crawling back to me.”

“That will never happen.”

“No one makes a fool out of me and gets away with it.”

Brooks’ hand touched my back in silent support. “Stop threatening and trying to scare her. She is my fiancée and, quite frankly, I’m done listening to this shit. You were nothing more than a choice she made for all the wrong reasons.”

His hand tightened around the door. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with. I have the power to destroy you. All it would take is one phone call, and I could make your little hometown construction business collapse.”

Brooks didn’t flinch. Not even a blink. “I dare you to try.”

Baz let out a humorous laugh. “It’s hilarious that you think you can go up against me?”

Brooks tilted his head to the side. “I know your type. You threaten and intimidate to get your way. You think by throwing money around that people will bend to your will. News flash, buddy, I don’t bend for anybody.”

Baz placed his hands on his hips. “This is your last chance, Harlow. Come home with me now, and we can smooth this whole thing over. You can tell them you had a breakdown and needed rest. I can have a statement prepared by morning.”

I couldn’t believe he thought that was even a possibility.

Brooks moved closer to me. “There is no chance of that happening. My ring is on her finger. She has made it perfectly clear what she wants, and it’s not you.”

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