Chapter 88 Enough Is Enough
I stared at Daisy's curious expression across the table, the smell of barbecue hanging heavy in the air between us.
"It was my boyfriend who paid for it," I finally admitted, my voice barely audible over the restaurant's background noise.
Daisy didn't look surprised. Instead, she gave a small, knowing smile. "I thought as much. My mom told me you were dating someone wealthy, but I didn't believe her. I figured if that was true, you would have told me yourself." Her eyes reflected a hint of hurt. "With our friendship, I thought you'd share something like that."
I lowered my head, shame washing over me. "I'm sorry," I whispered, the words feeling hollow and inadequate.
What could I possibly say? How could I explain that Ethan Bennett wasn't just a boyfriend but a man who controlled every aspect of my life? That I was essentially a bird in a gilded cage, beautiful but never truly free?
I wanted what normal college girls had—to proudly introduce my boyfriend to my best friend, to have him treat us to dinner, to watch him look at me with genuine affection while I chatted happily with the people I cared about.
But I wasn't dating a normal guy. I was with Ethan Bennett, and he didn't view me as an equal partner deserving of respect. I was his possession, his project, his obsession.
Daisy reached across the table and squeezed my hand. "It's okay, Liv. Even if one day we drift apart and aren't best friends anymore, I still want you to be happy." Her eyes softened with genuine concern. "That family of yours isn't worth your loyalty. They'll drag you down if you let them. Maybe it's time to let go."
Though I hadn't shared the details, Daisy somehow understood. My eyes filled with tears that I stubbornly refused to let fall. This was exactly what I needed from Ethan but would never get—compassion, understanding, respect for my feelings.
Instead, he deliberately used my family's greed against me, manipulating them to tighten his control over me. How could I ever truly care for someone like that?
"I heard about your grandfather in the hospital last year," Daisy continued, "and now your grandmother's health stuff. Look, I'm just gonna say it—your grandfather, your grandmother, that deadbeat dad of yours—they're toxic as hell. They're just dragging you down and bleeding you dry. They'll never stop taking until there's nothing left of you."
I couldn't hold back anymore. Tears spilled down my cheeks as I lowered my head, dripping onto my jeans. I wiped them away with the back of my hand, but they just kept coming.
Daisy quickly handed me some napkins. "Don't cry. Tears don't solve anything." Her voice was gentle but firm. "You've escaped Pacifica. Don't go back. Change your phone number, cut ties completely. When you have no vulnerabilities, nothing can hurt you."
I collapsed onto the table, sobbing uncontrollably. She was right. Without vulnerabilities, I could be invincible.
Last year, if I hadn't needed money for my grandfather's treatment, I would never have agreed to Ethan's proposal. I wouldn't be trapped now.
My phone suddenly rang, interrupting my breakdown. I hastily wiped my face and checked the screen. Ethan. My heart raced as I instinctively glanced toward the door where his security men were stationed.
I wanted to ignore the call, but fear of his reaction made me answer.
"Hello," I said, standing up and walking toward the exit. "What is it?"
"Why are you crying again?" Ethan's voice was cold with impatience. "Aren't you supposed to be having fun with your best friend?"
I sniffled, trying to steady my voice. "It's nothing. We were just talking about something sad."
Ethan made a dismissive sound. "That piece of shit friend of yours—don't see her again."
Anger surged through me, hot and sudden. "What did you just say?" I demanded, my voice rising.
"You heard me," he replied, his tone casual and cruel. "I don't want you seeing that so-called friend anymore."
The rage that had been building all day finally erupted. "The person I most want to never see again is YOU, Ethan!" I shouted into the phone.
His voice dropped dangerously. "What the fuck did you just say to me, Olivia? Say it again."
I had already pushed my emotions back down earlier today, forced myself to be calm when he'd essentially bought my father a house without consulting me. But hearing him try to control who I could be friends with—this was too much.
Yet even at my angriest, I couldn't bring myself to hurl insults or curses at him. Instead, I coldly ended the call and blocked his number, my hand trembling slightly.
Looking toward the entrance, I saw the two security men standing like sentinels on either side of the door. Taking a deep breath, I returned to our table.
"Daisy," I said to Daisy with a forced smile, "I need to go. Something came up. We'll hang out another time, okay?"
Daisy grabbed my arm as I stood. "Is he... is he good to you?" she asked hesitantly.
I smiled reflexively. "He treats me well. We're just a normal couple, not whatever horrible things Jessica and her friends are saying about us."
Daisy released me with a gentle pat on the arm. "As long as he's good to you."
I didn't linger, turning and walking out of the restaurant. I headed right, toward the subway entrance, fully aware of the security men behind me.
They exchanged glances, one quickly following me while the other made a call—undoubtedly to Ethan.
I pretended not to notice, continuing toward the subway station about five hundred yards away. I heard Ethan's sharp voice through the phone: "Follow her. Protect her. Report any problems immediately."
As I approached the subway entrance, one guard hurried forward to block my path. "Miss Reed, where are you going?"