Chapter 3
“WILLA!”
With a sharp shout-Reed suddenly “stood up” from his wheelchair!
His movements were swift and agile, nothing like someone who’d been “paralyzed” for two years!
He lunged forward and grabbed me around the waist, pulling me forcefully away from the railing.
“Let go of me! Reed! Let me go!”
I struggled desperately, watching in despair as the murky river water swallowed the last glimmer of my ring.
Cold rainwater mixed with burning tears, blurring my vision.
“Calm down! You’re gonna throw your life away over some stupid ring?!”
Reed’s voice carried a hint of barely concealed panic and fear, but more than that, irritation at my “unreasonable” behavior.
Stupid ring?
That was the only thing my mother had left me.
And his beloved Sage had thrown it away like garbage!
In that moment, all my anger, sadness, and humiliation crystallized into icy numbness.
I stopped struggling, letting him hold me, my body rigid as ice.
“Let’s break up.”
My voice was terrifyingly calm.
Suddenly, Reed’s body stiffened, then he acted like he’d heard some kind of joke.
“Willa, don’t be ridiculous! I know you’re upset about the ring, I’ll make Sage apologize! We…”
“I’m not being ridiculous.”
I cut him off, prying his fingers away from my waist one by one.
Then I turned around and looked straight into that face I now found disgusting.
“Reed, aren’t you tired of this act after two years? My mom’s ring is gone, and so is the last bit of feeling I had for you. How much longer did you plan on playing me?”
His eyes flickered, and that familiar expression of fragile helplessness instantly appeared on his face.
“Willa, what are you saying? My legs really were paralyzed, they’ve just gotten much better with treatment… Are you really going to abandon me? You’ve always been disgusted by me, always wanted to leave me!”
Time again-he was trying to use his “paralysis” and “abandonment” to manipulate me, fishing for sympathy.
Watching his masterful performance, I just felt sick.
I didn’t explain, nor did I have the energy to say another word to him. I just silently walked back to the living room and picked up the filthy, empty delivery bag from the floor.
Without even glancing at him or the gloating crowd on the terrace, I turned around and walked out step by step into the pouring rain.
Behind me, I heard Sage’s sweet voice:
“Reed, if the truth’s out, it’s out. You’re not actually worried about that crazy bitch’s feelings, are you?”
“Come on! Don’t tell me you, a millionaire prince, actually fell for some delivery girl?”
I didn’t hear Reed’s response.
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.