Chapter 5
Every head turned to the door. Marcus stood there, his presence commanding the
eroom.
He strode straight to me, his grip breaking Blake’s hold on my arm without effort. “Let her go.”
Then he turned to me, his voice softening instantly. “Are you okay?”
1 shook my head, feeling the tension drain from my shoulders as he pulled me close. For the first time that night, I
felt safe.
He wrapped an arm around me protectively and fixed Blake with an icy stare. “What exactly do you think you’re doing, manhandling my fiancée while spewing nonsense? Our wedding isn’t any of your business. Claire can have whatever she wants pearls, diamonds, the moon itself. Your opinion stopped mattering the moment you chose someone else.”
His lips curved into a dangerous smile as his gaze swept to Emma.
“And as her ex, maybe focus on keeping your current… distraction happy. She’s looking rather jealous of all the attention you’re giving another man’s bride.”
Emma stood frozen, tears threatening to spill.
Blake’s face darkened with rage. “What do you mean, your fiancée? Explain yourself!” He reached for me again, but Marcus blocked him effortlessly.
The room fell silent. Even Blake’s most vocal supporters suddenly found their wine glasses fascinating.
But Blake wouldn’t back down. “Claire, you’ve really outdone yourself this time. Getting Marcus to play along with your little act? Fine, you’ve made your point. The engagement ceremony will happen next week, no more delays. Happy now?”
I didn’t even look at him. Marcus held me closer and led me toward the door without another word.
In his car, I finally let out the breath I’d been holding. “Thank you. How did you know where to find me?”
He gave a soft chuckle. “The call never disconnected. I heard everything. Besides, Blake’s dramatic airport reunion with his ‘first love‘ has been all over social media. Wasn’t hard to guess where this was heading.”
My phone kept buzzing with messages from Blake:
“You came here just to create drama and embarrass me and Emma, didn’t you?”
“You’re completely misunderstanding my relationship with Emma! Stop making everything such a big deal.”
“Emma’s crying because she thinks this is all her fault. Come back and tell her you’re not mad at her!”
“Where are you? Emma’s so upset she wants to stay at a hotel. Come fix this mess you’ve made!”
My chest tightened, but I turned off my phone. I was done being manipulated.
That night, I stayed at my own apartment. The next morning, I went to what was supposed to be our future home to collect my remaining things. Most of my belongings were already packed, my art supplies moved to my studio. Just
one suitcase left.
As I opened the door, I heard Emma’s voice floating down from upstairs. “Blake, these pancakes are amazing! I’ve missed your cooking so much.”
“Stay here.” Blake answered tenderly. “I’ll make them for you every morning.”
“But what about Claire?” Emma’s voice turned small. “You’re getting married soon. She probably hates seeing us together. Maybe I should leave.”
Blake pulled her close. “You know how I really feel. Marrying her was never my choice – just something to keep my parents happy. You’re the one I’ve always wanted.”
I deliberately dropped my keys, the sound echoing through the house. They both turned to look at me.
The scattered clothes on the floor told the whole story.
Blake followed me, trying to close the bedroom door. “Don’t overthink it. Nothing really happened. We didn’t go all the way.”
His words made me sick. I pushed past him. “Move.”
My hands shook as I grabbed my suitcase.
“Claire,” Emma called softly. “Are you moving out?”
A car horn sounded outside. Marcus’s driver appeared at the door.
“Miss Bennett, need help with that?”
I shook my head at the driver and walked toward the car.
Blake grabbed my arm. “Where do you think you’re going? You disappear all night and now you’re moving out? Don’t push me too far, Claire. If you keep this up, don’t expect me to welcome you back with open arms.
His lips curled into a sneer. “If you’re waiting for me to chase after you, keep dreaming.”
I finally turned to look at him, managing a small smile. “I’m not waiting for anything anymore, Blake. I’m just of hoping you’ll change.”
I got into the car without another glance.
Through the window, I heard him call out, “Fine! Take some time to cool off and think about what you’ve done wrong!”
