Plot Twist, The 'Dead' Ex is Thriving

Chapter 20

At the airport, my boarding pass had an issue, preventing me from boarding the flight.

I wasn't the least bit surprised.

Knowing Vincent Montgomery as I did, I was certain he wouldn't just let me leave without interference.

I told Linda and the others to go ahead while I stayed behind to handle the situation.

Pulling my suitcase, I scanned the airport lobby and spotted Vincent effortlessly.

Despite the lingering chill of early spring, he stood tall in his charcoal-gray coat, strikingly conspicuous in the crowd.

His eyes were fixed on me, pleading.

I crooked a finger at him.

A flicker of hope crossed Vincent's face as he strode over immediately.

"Lauren."

"You tampered with my ticket."

It wasn't a question.

Vincent admitted without hesitation, "Yes. I couldn't just let you go."

I stared at him coldly. "Do you know why I'm leaving?"

"Because you and Daniel Harrison are dead to me."

"To me, you two are worse than insignificant strangers."

Vincent paled, panic flashing in his eyes. "Lauren, I know I was wrong. I'll do everything to make it up to you. Please, just give me a chance."

His voice was uncharacteristically meek, nothing like the proud man he used to be.

"No. You weren't bewitched by Emily Carter. You simply assumed I cared so much about you both that I'd never leave."

"Luckily, you were cruel enough to make sure I suffered night after night, until I finally tore my feelings for you out of my heart."

The color drained from Vincent's face, his eyes turning frighteningly red.

His lips trembled. "Lauren..."

"Don't call my name. It disgusts me."

Vincent flinched, looking away in shame. "...Daniel is on his way. Just see him once before you go, please?"

"No need," I refused flatly. "I just want to leave as soon as possible—far away from both of you."

I returned to the hotel.

But Daniel arrived first.

Clutching a stack of documents, his eyes reddened the moment he saw me.

"Little sister, I've reclaimed everything I gave Emily. It can all be transferred to you—just sign these."

His hands shook slightly as he held out the papers.

"I'm not asking for your forgiveness right away. Just... give me a chance to make things right."

Yet no matter how sincere his words, my expression remained indifferent.

I had truly let go of them.

Even if the process had nearly destroyed me.

"Unnecessary." I met their gazes. "I won't forgive you, but I won't seek revenge either."

"Daniel Harrison. Vincent Montgomery."

"I'll say this once."

"Don't try to make amends. I don't need it."

"And don't come near me again."

Daniel's lips parted, but no sound came out.

He knew me well.

If I had screamed, cursed at him, or even hit him, there might still have been a chance to salvage things.

But my calmness—my lack of anger—told him everything.

I would never look back.