The Ex Who Regretted Chapter 2

I put on a blank face and casually linked my arm through his. “Let’s go.”

Jake immediately let out a harsh, sarcastic laugh.

I was used to it, I just tuned him out.

As Mrs. Harrison, I had to be perfectly composed in public.

Soon, I wouldn't have to endure days like this anymore.

The moment we stepped ashore, I released his hand.

He quickly clasped mine, fingers intertwining, his tone mocking. “Better act the part, Mrs. Harrison. Don't go half-hearted.”

“The paparazzi are still snapping away.”

I frowned slightly, turning my head to look out the window. Whatever. Let him.

The ride home was silent, a heavy quiet that lingered until we reached the front door.

The instant we walked in, he pushed me against the wall.

In the dim, hazy light, I caught a glimpse of the dangerous amusement in his eyes.

I was utterly drained, my voice a soft murmur. “Jake, I don't want to.”

I tried to push him away. Jake’s grip tightened, and he bit my collarbone, a subtle punishment.

He scoffed. “Mrs. Harrison, those old fogies are still waiting for you to get pregnant.”

My body stiffened. Every time he said “Mrs. Harrison,” it was a cold reminder to remember my place, my identity.

Once, I willingly wore these shackles, without the right to call for a stop, simply accepting my fate. Now, I could.

My only reason for compromise had betrayed me. I no longer had anything holding me back.

For the first time, I bravely pushed Jake Harrison away.

“Jake, I don't have to be Mrs. Harrison anymore.”

He froze for a moment, his gaze holding mine, intensely.

“Chloe Miller, are you serious?”

My heart plummeted. “I’m willing to give you what you want. Isn’t that good?”

“I’ve clung to you for ten years, and you’re tired. I’m tired too. Let’s just release each other.”

Before the words fully faded, Jake’s hand gripped mine, a vice-like hold.

His body pressed against mine, as if he wanted to meld me into the wall.

After a tense standoff, he spoke, his voice thick with suppressed rage. “Chloe Miller, your tactics are transparent. I won’t let you get what you want!”

With that, he turned, furious, and stormed out without a backward glance.

I was bewildered. Staring at his retreating back, I fell into thought.

This was what he’d always wanted, and I’d given it to him. Why was he angry?

A sharp slam echoed through the house, pulling me back.

No matter what, my decision was made.

But the thought of Brittany still brought a dull ache to my chest.

My phone vibrated again. I pulled it from my pocket, my finger tracing the screen, hovering over Brittany's constantly popping up messages.

Finally, I tapped open the chat.

“Chloe Miller, you know everything now.”

“Since that’s the case, give Jake to me.”

“You two have been together for ten years, and he still doesn’t love you. Why don’t you let me try?”

“Maybe he’ll fall in love with me?”

“I know it’s wrong to steal my best friend’s man, but I really can’t control myself.”

“The moment you introduced us, I was deeply drawn to him.”

“I tried, I avoided seeing him, but you kept bringing him around. I didn't mean to.”

“You forced me!”

…

The more I read, the more my heart bled.

This was the person I once trusted the most.

I laughed, a bitter, self-deprecating sound.

“Brittany Collins, I truly misjudged you.”

“Since you want him, I’ll grant you your wish!”

I typed these two sentences quickly and sent them.

After that, our friendship was completely shattered.

For a man, she betrayed me.

It was me who misjudged her, in the end.

That night, I couldn’t sleep a wink.

When I woke, my eyes were red and swollen.

It took a long time with ice packs to make them look remotely normal.