Lover's Vendetta, A Betrayal That Burns

Chapter 8

Wesley dropped me off in front of the villa. I thanked him and was about to get out when he stopped me, his brows furrowed in concern.

"Are you sure you'll be okay alone?"

I nodded, but his expression remained dark, lips pressed tight. After a long pause, he spoke, his voice low and hesitant.

"Ten years, Scarlett. He still hasn't given you a commitment?"

My hand froze on the car door. My heart sank. I nodded, lips pressed together in frustration. He grabbed my shoulder, his usual gentleness replaced with an intensity I wasn't used to.

"Scarlett, ten years is a long time. Life's precious, so is your youth. Is it worth it?"

The question hit me hard. Ten years I had spent loving Nolan, long after his feelings had faded. I had held on, indulging his every whim, tolerating all his indifference, thinking I could make him love me again. But now, all of it felt like a lie. If it wasn't for that broken promise, I might still be clinging to the illusion. But some things, once they're broken, can't be fixed.

Realizing he was getting too heated, he let go of my shoulder and murmured, "I'm sorry."

I didn't hold it against him. I got out of the car, and he handed me his business card through the window. His gaze softened, full of unspoken emotion.

"If you need anything, come to me. I'll always be here."

Always there. Watching from the shadows.

I loved Nolan for so long, and now I couldn't bring myself to walk away from Wesley either. But how could I deserve either of them?

Inside the house, I started packing. I was ready to leave it all behind. Our relationship was over, and I had nothing left to tie me to him. As for Aiden's custody, I would find a way to fight for it.

Truthfully, I didn't have much to pack. Four years in this house, but how much of it had really been mine? On the table was a photo of Nolan, Aiden, and me, the only thing that brought me peace when I missed him. I took it down and cut Nolan out, leaving just Aiden and me.

Then, I heard the screech of tires. Nolan stormed in, grabbed my wrist, and shoved me against the wall. His handsome face twisted with rage, his chest heaving.

"Scarlett," he snarled, "playing hard to get? It's just a marriage license. Let's go get one now."

I shoved him away in disgust.

"Mr. Birch, we're broken up. Show some respect."

He took a few steps back, his gaze landing on the photo I had altered. His eyes widened.

That was when he finally realized I was serious.

Aria burst in, her voice full of disdain.

"Nolan, you can't let her off the hook that easily."

"Get out!" Nolan barked.

Aria smirked and kicked my suitcase, sending its contents flying across the floor.

"Did you hear that? Nolan wants you to get out."

I started to gather my things when Nolan shot her a furious look.

"I said, you get out!"

Aria froze in shock, and even I was stunned by his outburst. She ran out, crying.

"Scarlett, please," Nolan pleaded, grabbing my hand, panic in his voice. "Let's go get the marriage license. Right now."

I yanked my hand away, my face emotionless.

"It's too late. I don't love you anymore."

"No, I don't believe that!"

He smashed the lamp beside him, his anger flaring.

"What about Aiden? You don't want him either?"

I saw it then, he was using Aiden against me, but I wasn't going to back down this time. No more giving in. If I wanted Aiden, I'd have to fight for him on my own terms.

"I don't want him."

He was furious, but it wasn't enough to stop me. He shoved me down and leaned in, trying to kiss me. I turned my head, and his lips landed on my cheek, leaving me disgusted.

"Don't touch me!"

As we struggled, a figure rushed in, pushing Nolan away and shielding me. It was Wesley. He'd been waiting outside, worried about me.

Nolan's eyes widened, realization dawning on him. He pointed at Wesley, eyes bloodshot with fury.

"So you broke up with me for him?"

Scarlett, you dare to betray me?

He didn't see his own mistakes, just blamed others. I was done.

"Nolan," I said, my voice shaking with disappointment, "this is between us. Don't drag anyone else into it."

But Nolan didn't get it. His expression twisted even more.

"Ha, you want a bitch I've been playing with for ten years? Wesley, you really are indiscriminate, aren't you?"

I couldn't believe the words coming from him. Ten years of devotion, only for him to call me that. Humiliated and heartbroken, I raised my hand and slapped him across the face.

Slap!

The sound echoed, and for a moment, everything went silent.

Ten years of my life, wasted. But it didn't matter anymore. At least it wasn't too late.

I turned to Wesley, tugging on his sleeve.

"Let's go."

Wesley looked at Nolan, his expression cold but firm.

"Scarlett is not a bitch. She is the goddess in my heart."