Chapter 6

I didn't say a word. I walked straight to the front door, pulled it open, and pointed outside.

Austin stood frozen. "Can you stop making a scene? You haven't texted me in days either. I was only ignoring you because I was annoyed."

"By the way, did you take that Plan B? The effect should last for a week, right? Since we're still in the window, we could..."

I grabbed a throw pillow from the couch and hurled it right at his face. "Austin, what exactly are we to each other?" I demanded, my voice cold as ice.

He blinked, then let out a smug, knowing laugh. "Oh, I get it. You want us to be official. No wonder you're throwing a tantrum."

"We've known each other for ten years, Clara. Why do we need to do all that boyfriend-girlfriend label stuff? Let’s not worry about those pointless things. I can make you feel secure in other ways..."

He gave me a sleazy wink, treating me like some prize he had already won and locked in a cage.

I wondered how stupid he thought I was. Did he really think a few empty words would keep me hooked forever?

"Then tell everyone at the office tomorrow that we're dating," I said. "Do you dare?"

He fell silent for a moment. "Don't be childish, Clara. You know office romance is a bad look. It’s bad for both of our careers."

Seeing my expression remain cold, his temper finally flared. "Have I been too nice to you? Get over yourself!"

He snatched the breakfast bag and slammed it onto the floor. The hot coffee spilled, leaving a dark, ugly stain on my clean cream rug.

"Did you seriously think sleeping with me once gave you the right to control me?"

"Let me tell you something, Clara. Keep dreaming. I have plenty of girls lined up waiting to jump into my bed."

His utter contempt and disrespect were laid bare for the first time. His words cut deep, ripping away the last of my dignity.

Tears I thought had run out welled up again, blurring my vision.

Seeing me cry—something I rarely did in front of him—he seemed a bit flustered.

"Look, I'm sorry for snapping at you. I apologize. But you shouldn't be acting like this either..."

He reached out to wipe my tears, but I slapped his hand away.

"We can still go out at night. Just give me a few years, I will..."

Before he could finish, his phone buzzed loudly. He glanced at the screen and immediately stood straight. "I have to go. I don’t have time to waste on your drama. Think about it, Clara. We've already crossed that line. Who else is going to want you if you ruin things with me?"

"Making a scene won't do you any good."