Page 91 of Forty, Flirty & F*cked

"Connor..." My voice cracks. "I need to tell you something."

"So tell me."

But I can't. Can't form the words that will destroy this. Can't bear to watch his expression change when he realizes I've been lying this whole time.

Can't risk losing the way he looks at me right now—like I'm something precious instead of something broken.

"Ariana?" He slows our movement. "What is it?"

My phone buzzes in my bag:

KAT: The countdown is on

KAT: The annulment window closes at midnight in a week

KAT: You have to tell him

"I—" The words stick in my throat. "I can't do this."

"Can't do what?"

"This." I step back, out of his arms. "Us. Everything."

His expression shutters. "Why?"

Because I love you. Because I'll ruin you. Because everyone I’ve ever thought I could rely on falls apart.

My relationship with Will. Dad. Even Mom.

Because losing someone isn't just about death. Sometimes, it's about watching them fade while you're still holding on.

Instead I say. “Because it's not professional. What we agreed on. Because the IPO?—"

"Don't." His voice hardens. "Don't hide behind work. Not with me."

"I'm not hiding."

"Aren't you?" He moves closer. "Because from where I'm standing, you've been running since Vegas. The question is... what are you running from?"

Everything. Nothing. Myself.

"I have to go." I grab my bag. "I'm sorry, I just... I have to go."

"Ariana—"

But I'm already running, his voice fading behind me as I flee into Seattle's rain.

I spend the next five hours walking the city, letting the rain soak through my clothes, trying to convince myself I'm doing the right thing.

My phone buzzes constantly:

LILY: Dad's trying to trademark "Bristol's Bodacious Blend"

LILY: Also maybe starting a YouTube channel?

LILY: Something about "protein-powered lifestyle inspiration"

Then:

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