‘Genevieve, of course. Who else?’ Rhys didn’t hesitate to tell me.
‘So, Genevieve gave you all this?’ I frowned, staring at him in disbelief. ‘She’s the one who gave it to you?’
‘Yes, she did. She wants to drive a wedge between you and Ashton. But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s all true.’ He seemed past caring about hiding it. ‘I guess she was testing Ashton too. She wanted to see who he would choose to protect—her or you. And she won.’
Yeah, she won. That truth was a bitter pill to swallow.
‘At least in this, Ashton was completely on her side. He shielded her, even found a scapegoat to take the fall. She gave me this because she wanted to taunt you. She’s basically telling you to bow out.’
Every word felt like a knife twisting in my chest.
‘Stop it!’ I said, unable to take any more.
‘Denial doesn’t help. This is how it is.’ Rhys sighed. ‘Mirabelle, don’t be naive.’
‘What’s in this for you? What did Genevieve promise you?’ I watched him closely, my eyes narrowed. ‘I don’t believe you’d just tell me all this out of the goodness of your heart.’
‘Nothing. Genevieve didn’t offer me anything. I just didn’t want you to be lied to, that’s all. I didn’t want you kept in the dark. There’s no other motive.’ His blue eyes were intent, sincere.
‘You really expect me to believe that? You’re here to ruin things between me and Ashton too, aren’t you? If you truly had my best interests at heart, you would never have told me.’
‘Mirabelle, stop deluding yourself. Wake up! What good does it do you, lying to yourself? He was willing to lie to you for Genevieve. He could betray you for her, too.’ His gaze was earnest, a warning.
Hearing that felt like another sharp stab to the heart. Could it be true?
‘Mirabelle, leave him. I’ll marry you. I love you. I know what I did was wrong, and I know I hurt you. I promise I’ll never do it again. I’ll treat you right, I’ll make up for everything.’ Rhys reached out and gripped my hand tightly.
I looked at him with pure disgust and pulled my hand away. ‘You think telling me all this will make me divorce Ashton? Dream on. I could never be with you, even if my marriage fell apart.’
‘Mirabelle, I’m the one who told you the truth. Why does it seem like you’re angry with ME? Shouldn’t you be mad at Ashton? He’s the one who betrayed your trust.’ Rhys looked genuinely confused, and a little hurt.
‘Go tell Genevieve that no matter what she does, it’s useless. I will never leave Ashton. As long as I live and breathe, she will never have him, and she will never become Mrs Laurent.’ I stood, grabbing my bag to leave.
‘Mirabelle!’ Rhys quickly caught my arm. ‘Can’t you see how naive you’re being? What good does it do to live in denial? Ashton doesn’t love you. If he did, he wouldn’t treat you like a fool, lying to you and being unfaithful. Why would you want to be with someone like that? You’re only making yourself miserable. And Genevieve is no pushover. If she’s tried to hurt you once, she’ll do it again and again. You’re no match for her.’
My expression was blank. ‘Let go of me.’
‘Alright, alright, I’m letting go. I know you’re upset. Just go home and think this over. If you need my help with anything, you know where to find me.’ He released my arm but continued, ‘Take these documents with you.’
Rhys gathered the scattered papers from the table and pressed the folder into my hand. ‘Stop being so foolish, please, just listen to me. And I’ll always be here waiting for you. I love you. No one could love you more than I do.’
‘Thank you.’ I didn’t look back.
I wasn’t thanking him for his declaration of love; I’d long learned to take anything he said with a massive pinch of salt.
I was thanking him for giving me the truth, however manipulative his motives might have been
I walked out of the restaurant in a daze. What was I supposed to do now? The person I trusted most had lied to me.
‘No. This might not even be true. I need to get some real answers.’ I wiped my eyes fiercely.
I picked up my phone to call Ashton, but hesitated.
Even if I asked him, he’d probably just lie to me again. He’d just come up with another story.
Then I remembered what Rhys had said about Ryan Fenty.
The problem was, I didn’t know the man. I’d only met him once, at that party. Check latest chapters at novelFɪre.net
But I did know his wife, Naomi Fenty, and I had her number.
Maybe I could reach out to her?
I made the call before I could talk myself out of it.
‘Hello? Mirabelle! This is a pleasant surprise.’ Naomi sounded genuinely pleased to hear from me.
‘Naomi, are you free?’ I asked, carefully keeping my voice light and steady.
‘Free? I’m stuck at home every day, of course I’m free! What’s up?’ Then she complained, ‘Ever since I got pregnant, I’ve been cooped up here. I’m practically growing mould. Last time I managed to get out, I almost... well, let’s just say Ryan has me on house arrest now.’
‘Well, how about dinner tonight? There’s something I need your help with. But could you please not mention anything to your husband?’