Chapter 7

After the wedding was canceled, William went totally crazy.

He started camping out in front of my house every single day, always clutching either flowers or gifts.

I told the security guards to throw him out, but he showed up again the next day.

"Louise, I know I screwed up," William yelled from outside, "Please, see me once!"

I pretended he didn't exist.

I had begged him many times back then.

Every single time, he always told me he was busy and that we would do it next time.

Now he wanted to admit he was wrong. It was way too late for that.

One day, I was heading out to run some errands when he blocked my way right at the door.

"Louise!" William rushed over and grabbed my hand. "I'm sorry, I messed up. I really mean it this time. Come back to me. I'll do whatever it takes."

"Let go," I snapped, yanking my hand free.

"No." His eyes were bloodshot. "Not until you say yes!"

"Are you out of your mind?" I snapped.

William roared, "Yeah, I'm crazy. I'm lovesick without you. I can't live without you!"

I looked at him and suddenly found it ridiculous.

I couldn't believe that this was the man I was head over heels for in my previous life.

"What were you doing before?" I shot back, "Did it ever cross your mind what would happen today when you slept with Genevieve?"

His expression froze.

"I was set up!" William protested, "That bitch Genevieve framed me!"

Louise let out a cold laugh. "Now you call her a bitch? Funny, you sure didn't say that when you were sticking up for her."

"Louise..." William pleaded.

"Don't call me that. It makes me sick," I snapped.

He stared at me, his eyes rimmed with red.

"I swear, I love you," William choked out, "These past three years, my love for you was real..."

"Three years of love?" I pried his hand off mine. "Did you ever think about those three years when you were sleeping with Genevieve?

"When you left me alone in that empty room? When you turned me into a joke for the entire city?"

He had no answer.

"William," I said, stepping back, "I gave you a chance. You were the one who didn't value it."

"No, I did. I really did!" William tried to grab me again.

Then, a black Maybach pulled up in front of us.

Quinn got out, his face dark with anger.

"Mr. Stokes," Quinn said, stepping up to me and wrapping his arm around my waist, "Isn't it a bit much to harass my wife in public?"

William's face twisted with rage. "This is between us!"

"Not anymore," Quinn replied coolly, "Louise is my wife now. If you keep harassing her, don't blame me if I get rough."

"Quinn," William roared, "You did it deliberately. You took advantage when I was down!"

"Yeah," Quinn admitted, totally unfazed, "I did it on purpose. What are you gonna do about it?"

William was shaking with rage.

In the end, he left.

Before leaving, William glanced back at me.

His expression made it look like his whole world had fallen apart.

"Are you okay?" Quinn looked down at me.

"I'm fine," I said, taking a deep breath, "Thanks."

"Come on, we're husband and wife. No need for thanks," Quinn said.

He ushered me into the car.

Sitting inside, I gazed out at the scenery rushing past, my mind a whirlwind of emotions.

I couldn't shake off the look William had given me.

"He won't give up that easily," I said.

"I know," Quinn replied, taking my hand, "As long as I'm here, you don't have to worry."

His hand was warm.

It was so warm that I wasn't used to it.

"You..." Words were on the tip of my tongue, but I swallowed them.

I let it go.

I figured that I would handle whatever would come my way.

There was nothing to be afraid of.