Chapter 74 I never intended to leave you

Chapter 74 I never intended to leave you
Mira stepped out of the restroom. Before she could take another step, a hand clamped over her mouth and pulled her backward.

She knew that smell, her ex-boyfriend’s cologne. She struggled against him, but he was too strong.

He dragged her into the men’s restroom, which was empty. The restaurant had been reserved for a private party. No one else was around.

River shoved her face against the wall, his body holding her there. He moved his hand from her mouth and trapped both of her wrists behind her back.

“What was that?” His voice was hot in her ear. “You want to leave me?”

Mira let out a bitter laugh, her eyes filling with tears. After everything she had given him, he could still do this.

She spoke through her teeth. “You got engaged to someone else. You left me first.”

Her words seemed to settle him a little. His voice softened. “I never wanted to leave you. She was just supposed to have my baby. You never got pregnant, not even once.”

Anger shot through Mira. She fought to get free, but his hold was iron. Her arms hurt. Still, her words were clear.

“You’re horrible. Why would I have your child when you wouldn’t even marry me?”

A look crossed River’s face. He always hated when she took her pills or asked him to use protection. He said it meant she didn’t think he was good enough.

“Then let’s get married,” he murmured. If he had asked months ago, she might have said yes. But not now. Not after all this.

“It’s too late,” she said. “You want me for my money and her for a family. You planned it all. You must be so proud.”

River’s temper rose. “Just because you’re rich now, you think that’s all I wanted? I was with you when you had nothing.”

“And you were awful to me,” Mira shot back. He never introduced her to his friends. He never took her out. She was always the one calling him, caring for him. He was never there when she was hurting. He only ever wanted one thing from her.

“But you never ended it,” he said. His hand slid down to her hip. “I’ve missed you, Mira.”

She could feel him pressing against her. He tugged at her zipper, trying to pull her pants down.

Panic gave her strength. As he fumbled with his own belt, his grip slipped. She turned, driving the heel of her shoe into his foot.

He grunted in pain. Before he could recover, she brought her knee up hard.

Mira stumbled back, finally free, but her pants slipped down to her ankles. Her hands trembled as she tried to pull them up. She had just reached for the zipper when a fist grabbed her hair and yanked. A sharp crack rang out as he slapped her. The pain was blinding. She cried out, but the sound was weak, trapped in the quiet room.

River seized her by the throat, dragging her back into the stall and shoving her against the wall. His face was dark with anger.

“What’s wrong with you?” he spat. “You used to like it rough. Did Michelle teach you to fight? Or is it from some movie? That’s all fake, darling. This is real.”

Mira tried to push him away, thankful she had worn pants. Then he moved, and a small knife appeared in his hand. A thin cry escaped her as he pressed the cold edge to her cheek.

“What if I make sure no one else will look at you?” he said. “I could give your pretty face some new lines. Now turn around. Take these off.” His patience was gone.

Something in Mira broke. She had reached her limit. She didn’t care what happened next, but she would not let him win.

“No,” she whispered. “Please stop. You can have the money. Just stop.”

His whole face changed. “Now you’re making me angry. You don’t want me anymore?”

He pinched her cheek, hard, then slapped her again. The force sent her falling onto the closed toilet seat. He grabbed her hair to pull her up.

At that moment, the stall door flew open.

River turned to see a man standing there, eyes blazing. “Who are you?” River snarled. “Get out. This is private.”

A fist crashed into River’s face. He dropped to the floor beside Mira.

Hearing the voice of the man who had just entered, Mira’s face burned with shame. She hurried to fix her clothes. Looking at her on the floor, Lake’s blood ran hot.

“It’s my business,” Lake said, his voice low and hard. “She’s my sister-in-law’s best friend.”