Page 101 of Wish I Didn't Want You Back

He leaned against the desk and studied me like I was some project he was trying to figure out.

I looked around his office. It was filled with framed degrees and awards sitting on glass shelves. It was all about him. It was cold and stiff. Even the plants in the corner looked fake. Everything in his life had a place, except I was the one who neverfit. It was such a moment of clarity, one that I wished had come five years ago.

“You want to walk away, fine. You go right ahead, but you will regret it.”

I shook my head because he still didn’t get it. All those years, I tiptoed around him, careful not to make too much noise, got the best grades, all so I could earn his love. Now, I realized I was trying to earn something from him that couldn’t be given.

“I don’t think I will.”

He shook his head. “I thought you were smarter than this, but I see now that I was wrong. You don’t have what it takes to make it in my world.”

“I do have what it takes. I just want no part of your world. Your world is empty. You want a perfect little robot, but I am a human being. I have feelings, hopes, and dreams. I’m done letting you push me around.”

“Push you around? That’s rich coming from a girl who is turning on her father.”

“All I ever wanted was your love and approval.”

“You had my approval when you agreed to marry Bartholomew Zimmerman. I wanted you to marry into a good family. Carry on my family legacy. I did what was necessary.”

“Dad, I’ve spent my entire life pleasing you, trying to satisfy you, but it’s time I start choosing myself. If you have any fatherly instincts left in you at all, you’ll want me to be happy.” I stepped around his desk and met him head-on. “I know I will never be the daughter you envisioned, and I’m done trying. I don’t need your approval anymore, but let me say this,” I stepped closer, and his eyes narrowed. “If you ever try to interfere with my happiness again, you will find out how far I am willing to go to protect the man I love.”

He glanced down at his watch, like he had more important things to deal with. “Is that all?”

“One more thing,” I said, ready to be done with this conversation. “I made a few calls. Construction starts back up tomorrow. The town cleared the permits. If you so much as step foot on my property or do anything to interfere again, you will be hearing from my lawyer.”

Without saying another word, I turned and walked out the door. I didn’t say goodbye because he didn’t deserve it.

My footsteps echoed in the long, empty hallway. I paused by the office that once was mine. The small space that held so many dreams and possibilities. Now, I realized it was nothing more than a prison cell of my own making.I turned away, not bothering to take anything.

As I neared the bank of elevators, I almost didn’t notice him.

Baz was walking out of a conference room. There was a pretty redhead grinning up at him. There was red lipstick on his neck, and his tie was crooked. He stopped in his tracks when he spotted me and did a double take.

His smile was smug as he leaned against the wall. “Harlow, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be back in Marcellus Falls, baking cookies or running a yard sale? Or did you finally come to your senses and come back to beg for my forgiveness?”

I took in a slow and steady breath and gave him a once-over. Expensive suit, polished shoes, and a cocky grin that had no right to be there. “Like that would ever happen, but I’m glad I ran into you, because I have something to say and you’re going to listen.” I smiled sweetly while adjusting the strap of my purse. “Stop lurking around town and trying to cause trouble for me and my fiancé. Whatever plan you and my father had is over.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

I stepped forward, just enough to smell his sharp, expensive cologne. “Don’t play dumb. It doesn’t suit you.”

He scoffed. “You’re the one who started it when you embarrassed me.”

The girl standing next to him went quiet. She looked like she didn’t want to be in the middle of this, so I kept my attention on him. “You embarrassed yourself, Bartholomew.”

He hated it anytime someone used his full name, which was precisely why I said it.

He looked annoyed. “You think you can find someone better than me? Good luck to you, sweetheart. Have fun with your little broke builder.”

I let out a small, breathy laugh. “Oh, I plan on it, so listen to me very carefully. If you keep showing up, trying to cause problems for us, then the entire world will know that you’re not the golden boy you make yourself out to be, and that’s the last thing your dad needs right before an election.”

He folded his arms, trying to appear more confident than he was. “Do you seriously think you can threaten me? Have you forgotten who I am?”

“No, I didn’t forget.” I smiled sweetly as I pressed the button on the elevator. “But like I told my father, I’m done caring.”

And with that, he finally shut up.

When the doors finally closed, I sank against the wall and blew out a deep breath. I was ready to leave all this behind and start my new life.

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