Chapter 4

I glance down the empty street, then walk toward Sterling's car.

He can just be my driver tonight.

I don't have the energy to stand out here with my hand throbbing while I wait for another ride.

The corner of his mouth lifts as he follows me.

He opens the passenger door, but I walk around it and get into the back seat.

Sterling looks at me through the window.

"You sit back there, I'm gonna feel like your Uber driver."

I don't answer. I just fasten my seat belt.

He stands outside for two seconds before walking around the car and getting behind the wheel.

The ride is quiet.

The air blowing from the vents carries a faint trace of cigarette smoke. The blister on my hand throbs beneath the cool air.

I think about the first time I saw Sterling, back in junior year.

He was playing basketball and showing off every chance he got.

When a girl offered him a towel, he waved her off and wiped the sweat away with the back of his hand.

Back then, I thought he was confident and decisive.

He never hesitated. Never dragged anything out.

Now I realize he has always been that way.

Even when it comes to us.

The car stops in front of my building. I open the door and step out.

The night wind hits me, lifting the hem of my jacket before letting it fall again.

Behind me, the window rolls down.

Sterling finally says what he has been holding back the entire drive.

"Serena, we should postpone the wedding."

I stop.

"Renata's an emotional wreck right now," he explains.

"An abortion would be too hard on her body in this state."

I turn around.

"Weren't you the one who said you wanted to clean up your mess before marrying me?"

He pauses.

"That bet was supposed to make her..."

"Make her what?"

Sterling is silent for two seconds.

"Serena, can you not force me to choose right now?"

"You already chose."

That bet was never about forcing Renata to get an abortion.

He wanted to scare her into fighting for him.

She did, and he gave in.

It doesn't matter anymore.

The moment he threw me aside to protect her, I was finally free of him.

Sterling doesn't argue.

"I already told the wedding planner to find us the first open Saturday next month. We won't have to wait long."

Before I can answer, his phone rings.

He listens for a few seconds, his grip tightening around the phone.

"Your stomach hurts? I'm on my way."

He looks back up at me.

"Serena, I caused this mess. I'll clear it all up and make it up to you."

Then he hits the gas and speeds away.

I take a slow breath and look down at my hand. The blister is full and swollen now, impossible to ignore.

It sits against my skin like a brand.

A reminder that after tonight, nothing will ever be the same.