Page 54 of The Rancher's Vengeful Heart

The pity in the older woman's gaze spoke volumes, but Tassy somehow managed a smile.

"I'll process this as quickly as I can, but I'll still need you to come back tomorrow to sign the final paperwork. Is that alright?"

"That sounds perfect. I'm sorry to cause you additional work."

"Oh, hon. What I really hate is having you leave, but I also understand why it's necessary. I just wish things could've beendifferent. You don't deserve this, Tassy. You of all people..." Melody shook her head with a sniff.

"There's no need to worry. I'll be fine, I promise."

She stepped out of Melody's office, but the mere thought of going back to her desk had Tassy's heart shriveling.

I can't.

I just can't anymore.

I just can't.

Her knees started knocking against each other, and Tassy had to press a hand against the wall to keep herself from swaying. All day she had tried so, so hard not to think about it, but this time there was no hiding from the images that flooded her mind without mercy.

Lucius and Fontana staring at each other...

Lucius smiling at the other woman...

Fontana leaning towards her husband...

And then there were all those things that the media was saying about them.

Perfect couple alert!

Could wedding bells be ringing soon?

Are they San Antonio's next It Couple?

"I guess we're on the same boat."

The voice was familiar, laced with bitterness. She slowly looked up, knowing already who it was.

Xylan stood before her, his Burberry tie slightly askew, dark circles under his eyes suggesting he'd had as rough a night as she had.

"You've seen the photos, too?"

She nodded.

A resentful smile twisted his lips. "Do you know what that bitch said when she broke up with me?" he asked, leaning against the wall beside her. "That the only reason she wanted me was because she kept hearing how perfect we were together."

"I'm sorry."

Xylan stared at her. "And?"

"I don't know what else—-"

"We need to get even," he burst out. "We need to show those two that we don't give a fuck about them. Let's get back together—-"

"I can't."

Xylan's lip curled. "For fuck's sake, Tas. Do you really think he'd still go back to you? And even if he does, why the fuck would you take him back? Hedumpedyou—-"

"You dumped me, too," she couldn't help pointing out.

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