Page 22 of A Lie so Dangerous and Fragile

I didn’t want to remember anything from the past, but he was pushing me.

“What is your definition ofbetter? Lies? Secrets? What? Or do you think accepting your money would change what you and your family did to me?”

Sadness filled his eyes, and I could see the guilt making its way to his face.

Hypocrite. Yeah, that’s my middle name.

“Will you just give me a chance? I’m not asking to get back with you, but to give you a comfortable life. It upsets me to see you working like this.”

“Well, I don’t need that. I’m very comfortable with my life. I’m happily married, and my husband is the sweetest and most caring lover a woman could ever ask for.”

Sure, liar. Whatever floats your boat, my subconscious mocked me.

“I’m glad you finally found the right guy. I’m happy for you.” His eyes looked sad as they stared at me. “I’m sorry I hurt you, Chloe. I thought if I became better, I would win you back, but I’m really happy you found someone better.”

“I don’t care what you think,” I said and started walking away, but he kept following me.

“So, your husband, what does he do?”

“It’s none your damn business. Just leave me alone, Tristan! I’m not joking about the restraining order.”

He came to stand in front of me, blocking my way. “It’s been three years, Chloe. Are you ever going to forgive me?”

“No,” I told him and took the other way.

He didn’t come after me.

I shook my head and walked faster to my apartment. I leaned on the door immediately after I entered. My heart was beating rapidly.

“Is someone chasing you?” I heard Ryan’s voice from the living room.

“No.”

I eyed him and went to the kitchen to get a bottle of water. He was dressed in khaki pants and an orange shirt with a black leather jacket. His hair looked too greasy.

“Going somewhere?” I asked.

“Yep.”

“Okay. Please don’t make any noise when you enter the room. I’m a very light sleeper.”

“I’ll try.”

I released my hair from the hairband as I headed to my room.

“I need money.”

I froze.

“Five hundred dollars will do,” he said nonchalantly.

I turned around with the meanest look I could muster up. I was literally broke because of him.

“I don’t have any money, and I would never give you that amount of money.”

“I guess you don’t mind me selling your secret to the media. Imagine the chunk of money I will get. I’m sure Tristan Sanchester would award me if I tell him—”

“Stop already!”

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