Chapter 5
Jimmy’s blatant disrespect for me had turned him into an industry pariah–and now, the backlash was hitting Harrison hard.
Harrison was expendable. If people didn’t want to work with him, there were always other choices. But the real benefit of steering clear was no knives in the back.
Harrison’s business took a major hit. Clients were pulling contracts and demanding termination fees.
Suddenly, marrying Miranda was the last thing on Harrison’s mind. What he needed now was a woman with connections, not some gold–digger with nothing to offer but drama.
with her.
He didn’t beat around the bush and just broke up w
But Miranda wasn’t going down without a fight. She wanted that Mrs. Chappell title, and she wasn’t taking no for an answer.
Harrison, realizing she was now a liability, stuck her in a gilded cage–a villa with staff to keep her quiet. He even made her quit her job Miranda felt like a prisoner, just a puppet on strings. But it only took a few days before she finally caught on to what was happening.
She went straight to Harrison to negotiate.
But Harrison was swamped, running around trying to fix his business mess and meeting with all kinds of big shots to save his reputation. He didn’t bother coming to see her.
He even put a stop to the medical payments for Miranda’s family.
When Miranda got the call from her family, she completely lost it. In a fit of fury, she quickly wrote up a whole exposé on Harrison.
She didn’t hold back, laying out every detail of their mutual infidelity during the marriage.
Harrison never saw it coming. After getting betrayed by his own son, he’d just been stabbed in the back by the woman he thought he controlled.
When I finished reading it all, I couldn’t help but laugh
Jimmy’s “kicking out” was just Harrison’s last–ditch attempt to save face.
But as for Miranda, I had a feeling things wouldn’t be that simple.
Scumbags like them always got what was coming to them in the end.
I texted Jennifer: [Good news calls for something nice at breakfast today.]
Jennifer laughed: [Yeah, it really is good news. But you still need to watch your back Harrison swore to my husband he’d together with you, and even asked him to cut you some slack for your sake.]
get
back
[Alright, thanks, Jennifer, I replied.
[Anything you need, just say the word. I’ve got your back–same as in school.]
I stared at Jennifer’s message, feeling genuinely moved. I couldn’t help but ask, Jennifer, seriously, we haven’t talked in over ten years- why are you being so nice to me?]
After a long pause, she replied, (Back in school, I always admired your drive]
I typed back: [Thanks]
Just make sure you enjoy your life from now on, okay?] she added.
I never told Mom about Jennifer’s warning–no point in stressing her out. Instead, I convinced her to spend a few days at my aunt’s place.
Once she was safely gone, I finally let myself breathe.
1/3
12:11 AM
Chapter 5
Just like I expected, Harrison showed up with Jimmy in tow.
Harrison just stood there, smoking in silence, not saying a word.
Jimmy, on the other hand, couldn’t stop talking. “Mom, come back with us. Dad says he wants to make things work again.”
I shot Jimmy a cold look and scoffed with a sneer. You really think I’m cut off from gossip just because I live in a small town? I’ve heard. all about the Chappell family drama.”
Jimmy pleaded. “Mom, don’t say that. Dad’s serious this time. Just say yes. We can be a family again. We’ll figure it out together!”
Thinking back to what Harrison said when we divorced, I glanced at his ashen face and smirked. “Oh? Mr. Chappell wants to remarry me? It’s not going to be that simple.”
Jimmy’s eyes lit up. “Name your terms. He’ll do whatever you want.”
Harrison finally stubbed out his cigarette and cleared his throat. “If we try again, I’ll treat you right.”
“Not happening,” I said flatly.
His face twisted in disbelief. He pinched the bridge of his nose like I was exhausting him, “We’ve been married for years. Can you stop being dramatic?”
As if I were some pet he could recall at will.
“Please leave,” I said coldly.
That was
when it finally hit him–I was dead serious about the divorce, and there was zero chance of us ever getting back together.
Harrison’s eyes were bloodshot as he protested, “It was Jimmy who locked you in the car and leaked that video, not me. Why punish me for his mistakes? If you’re mad, take it out on him.”
He was still making excuses.
Jimmy shot back, “How could you sell me out like that? If you hadn’t told me to, I never would’ve locked Mom in the car.”
Harrison grabbed Jimmy by the collar and socked him right in the face.
“Harrison!” I snapped. “You’re pathetic.”
He stammered, “I–I just said to cool off in the car! I didn’t mean-
“Enough. Get out,” I said, making a shooing gesture. When Harrison didn’t budge, I warned, “If you don’t leave right now, I’m calling the
cops,
Harrison stomped over to the door, kicking the doorframe hard enough to rattle the hinges. Then he spun back around, shouting. “Sienna, I love you! Just give me one more chance. The company could recover, and we could still be a happy family,”
“I wasn’t happy. I never was. And I don’t love you,” I said coldly.
I crushed any hope he had left, leaving him with nothing to cling to.
Harrison grabbed my arms, shaking me. That’s not true. Two months apart doesn’t erase years. It’s just been two months!”
“Your love is worthless to the,” I snapped.
Then I shouted, “Let go of me!”
But Harrison wouldn’t let go. He grabbed me even tighter, trying to force a kiss on
Jimmy rushed over and tried to pull Harrison away from me.
For a moment, we were all caught up in the struggle, but in the end, Harrison g
got his way.
With a smug grin, he said, “We’re still married, aren’t we? Maybe another baby’ll fix this.”
I swung my hand and landed a heavy slap right across his face.
12:12 AM P.
Chapter 5
But then he grabbed my wrist and started slapping himself with my hand, over and over.
“Hit me all you want! If it makes you stay, I’ll take it. We’re gonna be happy again,” he said.
My hand ached from slapping him, but Harrison still wouldn’t let go. Desperate, I shouted for Jimmy to help. But Harrison just punched him again, sending him stumbling back, dazed, and clutching his head.
Before I could react. Harrison hoisted me up like a sack of potatoes, muttering, “Remarry me…. just remarry me.. as he dragged me
toward the door.
