Chapter 5
I pulled out the suitcase I’d packed days ago.
Christian chased me downstairs, clutching my arm like a desperate child.
“Don’t go, Eve. Please–please don’t leave me.”
He pulled a ring box from his pocket, hand shaking.
“I was going to ask you. I’ve had the ring. Look–let’s get married, okay? Please.”
He fumbled to put it on my finger, but he was so nervous it slipped, fell to the floor.
The ring hit the hardwood with a dull thud.
Just like our love.
Falling. Shattered.
I let out a quiet, bitter laugh.
“Don’t waste it on me, Christian. Even the ring knows this isn’t right.”
“Give it to someone who’ll still say yes.”
Christian looked up at me, eyes red, completely broken.
But I was done.
It was too late.
I didn’t look back.
Behind me, his voice cracked through the hallway.
“Eve–please. Just one more chance. One more.”
But the only answer he got–was the sound of my heels on the stairs, steady and final.
When I walked away from Christian, it didn’t hurt the way I thought it would.
Maybe because, the moment I found out he betrayed me–he’d already broken every piece of my heart.
I got back to my apartment–and ran right into someone I hadn’t seen in years.
“…Liam Donovan?”
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Just a Stand–In?! My Billionaire Hubby’s OTHER Wife…
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Chapter 5
He turned around, tall as ever, broad–shouldered, and for a second–he actually looked happy to see me.
“Eve? I didn’t think you’d be back.”
His eyes dropped to the suitcase by my side, and a little frown tugged at his brows.
I followed his gaze and gave a soft, tired smile.
“Broke up. So… here I am.”
Liam tried to stay cool, but I could tell something inside him shifted.
He masked it with concern.
“What happened? Did he hurt you?”
I kept my tone light. Detached.
“He fell for someone else. But enough about me–what are you doing here?”
He shrugged, glancing out toward the street, a small smile tugging at his lips.
“Old habits die hard. I guess I still come around here sometimes… just out of nowhere.”
I didn’t overthink it. Just nodded.
“Well. I should head in.”
“Eve-” His voice stopped me halfway.
He sounded nervous.
“Could I… take you out sometime?”
His eyes were warm. Sincere. And for some reason, I couldn’t say no.
I smiled back.
“Yeah. Sure.”
I didn’t think much of Liam’s invitation.
We’d only ever been classmates.
He moved overseas after high school and we lost touch completely.
Back home, I tidied up my place.
Called my team and canceled my vacation days.
Christian had planned some beach getaway for my birthday.
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Just a Stand–In?! My Billionaire Hubby’s OTHER Wife…
29.9%
Chapter 5
Scuba diving, sunsets, all that fantasy crap.
Not happening now.
Once I’d pulled myself together, I went straight back to the dance company the next day.
The moment I walked in, people started teasing.
“Eve! We saw the fireworks! Christian really went all out for you, huh?”
“Y’all getting married soon or what? Don’t forget to invite us!”
Before, I would’ve blushed a
