Chapter 3
I had Hazel call in sick for me, then ordered eight cleaning ladies online.[]
Specifically requested the ones who were strong and had zero filter.[]
When I opened my apartment door, all the laughing stopped.]]
A whole bunch of guys and girls turned to stare at me.]
Madison was straddling Ryan’s lap, arms around his neck, their faces practically touching.]
There was like a fingernail–sized piece of tissue between their lips.[]
Seeing me, Ryan shoved Madison off, his face going bright red. “Scarlett? What are you doing here? Don’t you have class today?”
I laughed coldly. “If I hadn’t come now, you’d probably have a baby on the way.“]
Ryan’s face got even redder as he scrambled to explain: “It’s not what you think! A bunch of people crashed here last night. Madison was just being stupid with her posts–I already told her off.“[]
I scanned the living room–beer bottles and takeout trash everywhere.]]
The Myanmar rosewood furniture set my grandfather left me was covered in scratches and grease stains.[]
The custom European sofa cushions my mom ordered–worth tens of thousands–were thrown on the floor like seat cushions, stained with alcohol.]
And my priceless antique porcelain vase, worth over a million dollars, was now a pile of shards swept into the corner.[]
I was shaking with rage, pointing at everyone there: “Ryan, do you even realize this is MY HOME? Get all these people the FUCK ou!!”
Ryan looked startled, then his face twisted with annoyance.[]
“Scarlett, seriously? Everyone got wasted last night and needed somewhere to crash. I thought since this place was close… I’m trying to help you and Madison work things out here.“]]
“Everyone’s classmates. Don’t be so damn stingy.“[]
I was laughing in pure disbelief. I never knew he could be this clueless.[]
Growing up, he always put me first. Never even raised his voice at me.[]
He’d think of things before I even knew I needed them, always planning ahead.[]
But this Ryan in front of me? Like he’d been body–snatched.]
“This is MY apartment! How is it not completely shameless to volunteer other people’s stuff?“[]
Ryan was obviously pissed too, his voice getting higher: “What do you mean yours and mine? Your grandfather said this place
Chapter 3
was for OUR future marriage!“]]
Grandpa did say that on his deathbed, but that was assuming we’d actually get married.[]
Not assuming Ryan would move some other girl in like it was his own place.[]
I calmed down, looked him dead in the eye: “That was IF we got married. But looking at this situation, I don’t think we need to be together anymore.“]]
All of Ryan’s anger just deflated. He stared at me in panic: “Scarlett, cut the drama. We can’t break up–eighteen years together.”
“You really gonna throw that away?”
My heart clenched, then this sick aching feeling spread.[]
Eighteen years. Could I really let it go?
I asked myself.
The answer was no, I couldn’t.[]
But so what?
I’d lost plenty of things I couldn’t bear to lose-
My one–legged stuffed rabbit when I was six.]]
My piggy bank that broke when I was eight.]
My best friend who stopped talking to me at fourteen.]
And my beloved grandfather…]
I couldn’t let any of them go, but I had to anyway.]
There are very few things in this world worth sacrificing your self–respect and dignity to get back.]
Ryan wasn’t one of them
I looked at him seriously and nodded.[]
Ryan’s face completely crumbled. He sulked over to the side like a little kid.[]
Madison strutted over, still wearing my pajamas.[]
“Scarlett, it’s just some random stuff and daily necessities. What’s the big deal? I’ve met tons of freshmen, and you’re by far the most uptight.“]
Madison raised her voice, getting the others all worked
up
too.[]
“Seriously, having a drink and playing games–what’s wrong with that? So damn prudish. What are you, from the 1800s?“]
Chapter 3
“I bet she acts all innocent with us but gets freaky with other guys in private! Did you see all those bikinis and tank tops in her closet? She’s obviously showing off for men.“[]
People with dirty minds see everything as dirty.[]
60000
Those clothes were all picked out by Ryan for our post–graduation beach trips. He used to tell me girls shouldn’t live their lives worried about other people’s opinions, that I should be confident in my own skin.[]
Now he was sitting there silent while they slut–shamed me. Steady as a rock.[]
Madison was laughing like this was hilarious, pretending to scold them: “Don’t say that! Ryan’s right here–you’re basically calling him a cuck!“]]
I didn’t waste time arguing. Just clapped my hands, and eight tough–looking middle–aged women stepped out from behind me
Each one armed with brooms and rags, and they went to work.
They were cursing and hitting these people with brooms and mops.
Let me tell you, their vocabulary wasn’t sophisticated, but it was definitely creative and harsh.[]
Less than ten minutes later, that whole group was cowering in the corner without any fight left.[]
Madison was about to open her mouth when a nasty wet rag got shoved right in it.]]
Those ladies beat her ass while she cried.[]
Suddenly, Ryan exploded, his face dark as storm clouds.
“ENOUGH! Are you done with your tantrum? I knew you were petty, but seriously? I shouldn’t have followed you to this college!”
He roughly shoved past me to protect Madison.[]
I was wearing heels and lost my balance, falling backward.[]
Right toward that pile of broken porcelain.]
Sharp pain shot through the back of my head.]
I reached back and felt something warm and wet.[]
“BLOOD! Oh my god, so much blood!” Someone screamed.]
Ryan whipped around.[]
Panic flooded his eyes as he pushed Madison away and ran toward me.[]
But everything went black, and I was out cold.]
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