Leave the Wrong Man, Marry the Right Love

Chapter 2

When Harrison came back from his business trip, his friends invited me to a welcome-home gathering. I wasn't really planning on going, but then someone mentioned that Harrison had a surprise for me. My heart skipped a beat. Suddenly, I found myself scrambling to look my best. I tore the house apart looking for the perfect dress, then had someone style me from head to toe, making sure everything was just right.

At the party, Harrison walked in with his arm wrapped around Grace's waist. As soon as they stepped through the door, confetti cannons went off, making Grace flinch. She clung to Harrison like a frightened little bird.

"Harrison…" she whispered, her voice sweet, girlish, exactly what you'd expect from a college student.

The room went dead quiet. Every single eye was on me. I lowered my gaze, took a sip of my drink, and forced a smile.

"Why is everyone staring at me? Let's just have fun, okay? Let's drink," I said, trying to play it cool.

My best friend squeezed my hand, offering silent support. Harrison, finally noticing me, pushed Grace away, looking flustered. His lips moved, but no words came. The tension in the room was suffocating. I stood up, walked straight toward Grace, and as I got closer, I saw Harrison step in front of her like he was protecting her. His eyes were warning me.

"Nina…"

The tenderness in his voice used to be mine. I couldn't remember when that had shifted. Harrison used to be the guy who'd do anything for me, anything to make me smile. He'd even step in front of oncoming traffic if it meant saving me. I'd tease him, telling him it was ridiculous, but he'd always say, "If you ever got hit by a car, at least I could shield you."

And now, here he was, blocking me to protect someone else.

I forced a smile, my voice cool and cutting. "What, you think I'll slap your little girlfriend? I'm not that petty."

"She's so beautiful," I said, my tone too sweet for my own liking. "I can't blame you for falling for her. Honestly, even I like her."

With that, I slipped the engagement ring off my finger and onto Grace's. "It suits you perfectly. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness."

I gulped down my drink, the smile never quite reaching my eyes, as a sinking feeling spread through my chest. Harrison's eyes dropped to Grace's finger, and his face darkened immediately. Grace grabbed his sleeve, her eyes wide and red, looking lost.

As I grabbed my bag and turned to leave, Harrison's angry voice cut through the room.

"Nina, do you even understand what that ring represents?"

"Of course, I do," I snapped, the words sharp. "Harrison, you've been dumped. Is that really so hard to get?"

He went pale with rage, and before I knew it, he crushed a glass in his hand.

"Harrison!" someone shouted.

The others rushed to him, trying to stop the bleeding. He was the heir to the Shaw Group, and if something happened to him, the old man would probably have them all fired, or worse.

Outside, the cold spring wind bit into me, almost as if it was stealing my warmth. I pulled my coat tighter around me, looking at the bright lights of the city, but they felt so distant. Where did I even belong in all of this? If my parents knew I had broken up with Harrison, they'd probably have a meltdown. To them, I was just a pawn in a marriage deal.

I walked aimlessly, feeling more lost with each step, until I bumped into something solid, a wall of flesh.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to," I muttered, stepping back.

A light, mocking laugh echoed from above. "Well, well, if it isn't the great Ms. Nash, looking like she's having a bad day. That's a surprise."

I froze. The voice was unmistakable. It was Ethan Hunter, Harrison's sworn enemy. The tension between them was legendary, and if I ended up in his hands, there wouldn't be a happy ending. Before I could even think of running, he grabbed my wrist, his grip like iron.

I yanked my arm, struggling to break free. "Let go of me! I'll call the cops!"