Page 100 of Wish I Didn't Want You Back

“Did you find what you’re looking for?”

I looked up to see him standing in the doorway. He had his phone in his hand, typical arrogant expression, looking at me like my visit was nothing more than an inconvenience to him.

I was slowly coming to terms with the fact that that was all I was to him.

I took in a deep breath, trying to get my nerves to settle. “I came to clean out my office and thought I would stop by for a chat.”

He narrowed his eyes, but I didn’t flinch, which was a miracle considering how anxious I was.

“Really? Because it looks to me like you were going through my things.”

Oh, he had no idea. I wanted to call him out on what I found, but something told me to hold on to it. It was the only evidence I had connecting him to this mess, and I would not give up any leverage I had on him.

“Nope. I was looking for a key to the safe. I need to grab a few documents so I can apply for my marriage license.”

He placed his coat casually on the hook, like we were about to have a friendly chat about the weather. “So, you’re still planning on going through with it, huh? Maybe we should talk about that.”

My hands shook as I clutched my purse. “Actually, why don’t we talk about all the trouble you and your little sidekick are trying to cause.”

He closed the door, deliberately slow, and glanced briefly at his desk. “It’s unfortunate that we had to stop the construction on the house, but maybe if you hadn’t walked out on your wedding and everything we worked for, then things wouldn’t be such a mess.”

It didn’t go unnoticed that he used the word “we.”

“You’re not mad about the wedding. You’re mad because I embarrassed you and cost you a deal you’ve been working on for years.”

He stalked across the room and stared me down. “Can you blame me?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Please forgive me for not wanting to be married off into some loveless marriage so that you could close in on another piece of property.”

He planted his hands on his desk and glared at me. “I had high hopes for you. I gave you everything you needed to succeed in life. And this is how you pay me back? By walking away from everything I planned for you?”

He didn’t care that he hurt me. He didn’t care about anyone but himself. I was so done because he apparently didn’t care for me at all.

“Dad, I came here to end this once and for all. Years ago, you made sure that Brooks and I never had a chance. You threatened to destroy him and his family if I didn’t walk away, and I did because I was scared, but I’m not scared anymore.”

He walked over to the window and stared out at the skyline. “I was protecting you.”

“No, Dad. You were trying to stay in control. You knew how much I loved him. He was a threat to you and the plans you had for me. I allowed you to hold that over my head for years, but you can’t control me anymore. You took five years away from us. You tried to ruin him, and it didn’t work.”

He was calm and composed as he stepped away from the window. “I did what I had to do.”

“No, you tried to destroy him, so I would come running back. You wanted to remind me that you always win, but you’re not winning this time.”

His expression hardened. “Just because he’s still standing doesn’t mean I’m done with him.”

“Go ahead. Keep threatening me, but understand this: If you do, I will go public and tell every reporter and news outlet that will listen to me that my engagement to Baz Zimmerman was nothing more than a contract. That you and SenatorZimmerman were working together. I’ll make sure to tell them everything.”

“Careful, Harlow. Daughter or not, I don’t take kindly to threats.”

I smiled. “I learned from the best. You raised me to be strong. You just never expected me to turn that strength on you.”

He didn’t react. Simply stared at me like I was some spoiled teenager who was having a temper tantrum. “Just because you are my daughter, doesn’t mean you won’t face consequences. If you walk away from me and this life, you walk away from everything that comes with it. The money, the connections, you will lose it all. Everything comes at a price.”

“I’ve already paid the price, Dad.” I met his eyes, feeling a dull ache in my chest. One that will probably never heal, but I had to remind myself that what I had waiting for me in Marcellus Falls was so much better than this. “I don’t want this life. So, I would appreciate it if you stayed out of mine. If you try to interfere with me or Brooks again, you will regret it.”

He tilted his head. “Don’t forget who you are talking to. I am still your father.”

“No. You had a chance to be my father, and you blew it,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm. “I did everything you asked of me. Everything. I showed up at every fundraiser. I smiled for the cameras, dated who you wanted me to. I tried so hard to be the perfect daughter. The one you wanted, but in the end, you only wanted a puppet. Something you could control to get what you wanted.”

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