Chapter 3

Wren's POV

I hesitated before answering.

"Wren, I need you to bring the original Hartley contract to my office RIGHT NOW. Red folder, on my desk."

His tone was rushed and demanding.

"Eric, I'm busy—"

"This is IMPORTANT! Client's here in an hour and we need the original. Move it."

Click.

He hung up again.

I stared at my phone, feeling bitter. Even now, he still treated me like his assistant.

I walked to the study. Fine. One last time.

Manhattan traffic was backing up, cabs crawling through snow. I held the folder, watching familiar streets pass by. This city had seen us fall in love. Now it would see us end.

In Eric's building lobby, Jessica at reception looked surprised.

"Ms. Allen... what brings you here?" She stood up, uncomfortable. "Mr. Allen's in a meeting, so maybe—"

"Dropping off a file." I put the folder on her counter. "Just give it to him."

"But this looks important and I can't..." Jessica looked nervous. "What if something goes wrong..."

"Then I'll wait." I sat on the lobby couch.

Jessica looked more uncomfortable, glancing at the elevator like she wanted to say something.

The VIP elevator opened. I heard heels clicking.

Eric walked out in a sharp charcoal suit, reading his tablet. Stella was right next to him in a tight burgundy dress, her hand on his arm. Way too close.

Stella said something that made him smile.

"Eric."

His smile died when he saw me. He stepped away from Stella fast.

Stella froze, then sounded all hurt and innocent: "Wren, don't get the wrong idea. We just finished with a client..."

I ignored her act and walked straight to Eric.

"Your file." I handed it over.

Eric took it, face dark. "When did you get here? Couldn't call first?"

"I did. No answer."

"I was in a meeting." He looked embarrassed, cleared his throat. "Actually, forget it. Found a backup. You didn't need to come."

I stared at him. After I'd crossed half the city, NOW he tells me.

"Why didn't you say that on the phone?"

"Didn't think of it." Eric sounded annoyed. "It's not a big deal anyway. You don't have anything else to do."

Stella laughed. "Wren, sorry you had to come all this way. But hey, at least you got out." She gave me a look. "You look tired today. Not sleeping?"

She fluffed her hair. "I was up all night working too, but look how fresh I am. Women need to take care of themselves."

"You need something else?" Eric checked his watch. "We've got another meeting."

I pulled out the manila envelope.

"This is for you."

Eric took it, suspicious. When the ring hit the marble floor, his face changed.

He yanked out the papers, saw the title—Dissolution of Engagement and Asset Division Agreement.

"What the FUCK is this?" His head snapped up. "You came here to give me this SHIT?"

"I'm serious."

"Serious?" Eric laughed coldly. "Because I didn't answer last night? Because I forgot to tell you not to come? Wren, you're being a vindictive bitch."

He crumpled the papers and threw them down.

"I'm NOT signing this! You wanna play games? Fine by me. Walk out that door and don't come crawling back!"

Stella tugged his sleeve. "Eric, don't. Wren's probably just upset..."

Eric shook her off. "Wren, if you wanna throw a fit, do it at home. Don't pull this shit at my office. I've got work to do."

I looked at the crumpled papers, then the ring on cold marble.

"Sign it or don't." My voice was flat. "I said what I came to say."

I turned toward the exit.

"Wren! Walk out that door and we're DONE! You hear me? DONE!"

I kept walking.

I pushed through the revolving door into icy snow.

The freezing air stung my lungs, but I felt free for the first time in months.

I grabbed my suitcase and walked into the storm without looking back.

In the lobby, Eric watched me go, chest heaving.

He laughed coldly. "Fine. Let's see how long you last."

He headed for the elevator.

His phone buzzed.

He pulled it out, annoyed. Automated message from Mount Sinai Hospital.

[Mount Sinai Hospital: Your emergency contact Wren has been diagnosed with Glioblastoma (Stage IV). Patient refused inpatient treatment. Notifying family...]

Eric didn't even read it. Hit "Clear."

"Come on, Stella. Meeting time."

The elevator doors closed.

He had no idea what he'd just deleted.