Page 111 of Cruel Revenge

They sting, but it’s as if my body knows that crying isn’t going to get us anywhere we need to go.

I have to figure out what to do next.

Pick up the broken pieces of my life yet again and move on with my life.

Something.

I have to do something, because if I keep sitting here, all I’m going to be able to think about is the way my life is falling apart yet again.

I should’ve stayed in Vermont.

After taking another thirty seconds to feel sorry for myself, I get up and send Kalani a message.

It’s time to start picking up the pieces.

Kalani shovesmy lingerie into a box. “I don’t think you have to make this decision right now. The two of you had a fight, but that doesn’t mean it’s over, does it?”

“He ended things and left.” I clear my throat, stuffing my laptop and tablet into my tote. “Trust me, it’s over.”

“I think the two of you need to talk when both of you are calm.”

“Not going to happen.” I tie my hair back from my face, bending to pull out my stack of books sitting on the bottom shelf of the nightstand.

Kalani rolls her eyes and takes the books from me, setting them to the side. “You don’t have to be so stubborn about this. It’s okay to be upset and take some time to grieve.”

“Why would I be grieving?” With my heart shattering, I stand up with my hands on my hips and look at her. “You already heard that the marriage was fake. I know my family is talking to anyone who will listen about it since fucking forbid we keep something in the family for once.”

“All right, so I know that the marriage was fake, but I don’t think the feelings were.”

“You should, since they were.”

At least on his side. It’s crystal clear now that he never really felt anything for me.

I snag the books back and stick them in one of the empty boxes. “We faked the entire thing, and now it’s come to an end.”

“No, now you’re shutting down to try and protect your heart because you actually care about him.”

God, so much.

“Nope.”

I toss a couple of notebooks into the box, too, before sealing it shut.

She sighs and grabs me by the shoulders, forcing me to look at her. “It’s okay to be upset about this.”

“I’m not upset. I’m moving on with my life because the agreement has come to an end. That’s all there is to this.”

All lies, but I can’t let myself feel, let myself break. I have no one I can count on but myself.

I’m about to shake her off when my phone beeps in my pocket.

Zoe:I got your boytoy.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

JOSHUA

My head fucking hurts.

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