Chapter 37

Chapter 37
"Alex–" Elliot's voice burst through the silence, low and hesitant, as if he were attempting to reach me.

I gulped hard, my throat tight, but I managed to get the words out before he finished. "Elliot, last night–" He raised a hand to stop me, his expression unclear.

"It was amazing. I know. But we are not exclusive, right?” My chest clenched so hard that I could hardly breathe.

"What do you mean?" I whispered, desperation setting in.

He smirked, and the cold edge resurfaced. "I can't be tied to one. Just because I love you does not mean I can't have other cakes.”

I blinked, surprised, and heat rose like fire in my stomach. "Wait... w-what?" My voice trembled on the final word, as hurt and astonishment threatened to shatter me.

He shook his head as if he were stating the obvious. "Alright, I'll just have to make this cl–"

"You promised to leave Chloe.” I cut him off, my voice shaking but yet holding out hope.

He shrugged, as if my words meant nothing. "I did, and I still will. But that does not mean we have to be exclusive or end here. We can still have fun while remaining friends.”

“Friends?" I scoffed angrily, a tear fell and I quickly wiped it. "Elliot, you…" My voice broke, leaving the sorrow raw and bare. "You're a dick.”

He laughed coldly and dismissively. "Wow, insults now? Okay, whoa if it makes you feel better." His grin deepened as he approached the desk and poured himself a glass of champagne. Then, as if this were a normal conversation, he said, "Want one? Looks like you could use a drink."

"Fuck you!" I yelled, each syllable scorching.

He yawned as if it were a game. "Okay, I'll just say it now: I don't think this is going to work anymore."

"It sure isn't going to," I muttered through tight teeth. "How can you cheat on me after only getting with me? Elliot, you had sex with me last night.”

"One round," he replied. "Do you think that is enough? Besides, you're not that experienced. Blame me for looking for a good release."

I clinched my fists so hard, my nails dug into my palms. “You're disgusting." I struggled hard not to break down ignoring the pain in my chest and the sting behind my eyes.

He leaned in, grinning, as if enjoying my misery. "Are you done? Mindy's flight leaves in an hour, and we're hoping to snag a fourth round. You are welcome to stay if you are interested in a threesome.” For a moment, I was frozen.

Years ago, I could have agreed. I trusted him at the time since he seemed to be loyal to Chloe. I would give anything just for him to think of me in that way. But seeing this side of him—the truth I'd been too afraid to confront—shattered everything.

“Chloe is pregnant." My voice barely escaped.

His eyes narrowed, his tone harsh and vicious. "You didn't complain last night when I had you under," he laughed. I never imagined he'd say this to me.

"We're done, Alex. I can no longer deal with this. This is why I didn't admit my feelings to you. You are too sensitive. Besides, I'll be a CEO soon with a wife, and I'll have to up who I sleep with." The icy finality of his voice broke me.

I nodded, trying to appear strong, but my hands trembled so violently that I could barely stand upright. I repeated it in my thoughts like a spell: I'm done. I am done. I am done.

I turned away and forced myself to walk out calmly. Too calmly like I was trying to tell myself that I wasn't going to fall apart.

I did not slam the door. Not because I didn't want to, but because I couldn't physically do it. My fingers felt like fluid, and my arms felt like rubber. Rage takes strength, and I didn't have any left.

The hallway seemed endless. My breath came in short, sharp bursts. Each step felt heavier than the last, as if I were sinking deeper into an endless pit.

When I reached the lobby, the receptionist's voice seemed muffled, as if it were underwater.

My heart was thumping just moments ago, and my thoughts were racing with anger and disbelief. Now, everything was suddenly silent, as if my brain had shut down to protect me from the pain.

"Ma'am?" The receptionist's voice finally broke through as I slowed and rested my fingers on the desk for balance. "Are you okay?" she asked gently.

I opened my mouth and nothing came out. My lips moved—perhaps in an attempt to smile—but my throat was tight with something I didn't want to define. I nodded too fast.

"Would you like some water?" she asked again. "You look a little pale."

"I'm fine," I whispered. "I'm just... dizzy. Maybe from not eating."

"Alright, I'll get you some water. Please, just wait here a sec—” But I had already started walking away, desperate for air.

My chest felt tight. My legs moved, but my mind didn't. I pushed through the front doors, and the heat from outside hit me like a slap.

I got to the sidewalk, and Harvey's car was nowhere to be found. That's when I realised I hadn't even locked it before rushing out.

Then my vision started to dim and my heart stopped, for real this time. Before I could think, everything went black. I felt myself losing balance and finally struck the cold floor and eventually… felt nothing.