Page 81 of The Worst Pucking Deal

I’ve never felt so alone, so utterly helpless. I wish I’d had the courage to tell him the truth sooner, to spare him—both of us—this pain. But now it’s too late, and I can see the walls building up around him, sealing me out.

As the tense silence stretches on in Tom’s office, Sawyer’s voice cuts through the air like a knife. “When did they get divorced?” he demands, his eyes burning with a mixture of anger and hurt.

Tom doesn’t speak but instead reaches for another document, a second printout. He slides it across the desk toward Sawyer, who snatches it up with trembling hands. My heart sinks, I know he’ll see the truth. That I got divorced and married at the same time.

The realization hits me like a physical blow. Not only did I keep my past marriage from Sawyer, but I also failed to disclose the fact that it ended the same day our relationship began. The truth hangs heavy in the air, suffocating me with its implications.

Sy’s gaze flickers between me and the document, his expression a mask of betrayal and disbelief. Desperation claws at my chest as I reach out to him, but he recoils as if my touch burns him.

At that moment, I know I’ve lost him. Lost the only person who’s ever made me feel truly alive and loved. Why the hell didn’t I just tell him sooner? Right now, as I’m living my worst nightmare, I can’t for the life of me fathom what scared me so much. If I’d been the one to tell him, I’d at least get to explain myself.

Jo’s voice shatters the silence in the room, her words heavy with disappointment and frustration. “You’re obviously fired, Lucia,” she declares, her gaze unwavering as she locks eyes with me. “I need your keycard immediately. I’ll pack up and send anything you might have left at your desk.”

Tom nods in agreement, his expression grim. “I’m afraid Jo’s right,” he adds, his voice laced with regret. “This kind of deception is unacceptable, especially from someone in your position. You should also know that we disabled all your logins a few days ago. When you leave the arena today, you won’t be welcomed back except for games.”

Fabian’s grin widens at the news, his satisfaction evident in every line of his face. “Oh no, how sad,” he remarks, his tone dripping with malice.

Sawyer remains silent, his features carved from stone as he absorbs the blow of betrayal. His silence speaks volumes, a stark contrast to the cacophony of emotions swirling inside me.

I feel numb, disconnected from the world around me as the reality of my actions sinks in. The consequences of my lies are finally catching up to me, tearing apart everything I’ve worked so hard to build.

Sawyer’s voice cuts through my thoughts, his words echoing with resignation and a hint of defiance. “What about the contract?” he questions, his gaze flickering between Tom and Jo.

Tom sighs heavily, rubbing his temples as if grappling with the weight of the situation. “The contract still stands,” he confirms, his tone weary. “You’ll both still need to maintain the appearance of a relationship until the stipulated time period is over.”

A wave of despair washes over me at the realization that I’m trapped in this charade for even longer. The thought of pretending we’re happily married when he won’t even look at me fills me with a sense of suffocating dread.

Sawyer’s jaw clenches as he processes the information, his frustration palpable. Despite his simmering anger, he nods in reluctant acceptance, his resolve hardening. With nothing left to be said, I rummage through my handbag and place my card on the table. I can’t meet the gazes of Tom or Jo, but when I look at Fabian, I bare my teeth at him.

“I’d rather be hated by everyone than ever be tied to you,” I hiss.

Then I follow Sy… Sawyer out of Tom’s office. With each step, the weight of my deceit hangs heavy on my shoulders, dragging me down into the depths of despair.

I should have told him when I had the chance.

Sawyer

“Get the fuck inside,” I seethe, looking at the lying bunny through cold eyes as she comes to a stop, refusing to walk inside.

She shakes her head. “No.”

“Get. The. Fuck. Inside.”

I ignore the heartbreak and guilt written all over her features and in her glistening green eyes. She has no right to feel heartbroken. None what-so-fucking-ever. She lied to me even after I gave her the opportunity to come clean.

With her shoulders square, she finally walks over the threshold into my apartment. “What now?” she hisses. “Do you want me to get naked and kneel at your feet?”

I let out a mirthless laugh. “Keep your clothes on, lying bunny. No one wants to see that.” We both know it’s a lie, but the anger in my veins burns too bright for me to care. “Sit down,” I say, my voice vibrating with the pent-up emotions swirling inside me.

Lucia scrambles over to the couch, sitting down so she’s perching on the edge. “Sy—”

Holding up my hand, I cut her off. “My name is Sawyer. You should know, since you’ve screamed it enough times.”

Red spots form on her cheeks and neck. “Fine,” she bites. “Sawyer. What happened in Tom’s office… it’s… I mean, that’s not how I wanted you to find out.”

“No?” I quirk an eyebrow. Turning my back on her, I walk over to the minibar, pouring myself some bourbon. “That’s a little hard to believe since you conveniently didn’t tell me you were married to Fabian while I was fucking you.”

“That’s a technicality,” she shoots back, darting to her feet.

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