Chapter 171

Olivia

I pulled into O’Malley’s parking lot, scanning for a spot amid the usual Friday night crowd. The neon sign buzzed overhead, casting a red glow across the cars.

My phone buzzed with a text from Emilia: “Got us seats at the bar. Hurry before someone steals them!”

I smiled, already feeling lighter at the prospect of drinks with my best friend. After the drama with Penelope and that horrible gossip article, I needed this night out.

I found a spot near the back and pulled in, grabbing my purse from the passenger seat.

The cool evening air hit my face as I stepped out. I locked the Porsche with a beep, still not quite used to driving such a luxury vehicle, and headed toward the entrance.

“Liv?”

I froze at the familiar voice behind me. Ryan. Perfect timing, as always.

Turning, I found him standing a few feet away, hands shoved in his pockets. He looked exactly like he had the last time I’d seen him, slightly disheveled in that calculated way he thought made him look artistic.

“What do you want, Ryan?” I asked, not bothering to hide my impatience.

He moved closer, that half–smile playing on his lips. “Just saying hi. Fancy running into you here.”

“Yeah, what a coincidence.” I crossed my arms. “At the bar I’ve been coming to for years.”

good,” he said, eyes traveling over my body in a way that made my skin crawl. “Marriage

to go inside. Emilia’s waiting.” I

path. “Come on, Liv. Five minutes?

times weren’t that great, remember?” I moved to step

ride.” He nodded toward my

voice made my blood

conversation. Can’t a guy talk to

cheated on

months ago.

I’m meeting someone inside.” I tried to

don’t get it.

I’m not having this conversation in a

Ryan pressed, his tone sharpening. “Because that’s what everyone’s saying. Gold–digger Olivia, sleeping her way to

anger flaring hot in my chest. “What did you just say to

heard me. One minute you’re dating regular guys like me, the next you’re Mrs. Billionaire Carter.” His face contorted with bitterness. “What, did you

“You’re the one who stuck your dick in

Marrying the richest guy three months later? Come

love and we tied the knot. I don’t

slightly. “What’s the rush? Afraid your

arm away. “Don’t

be real. Now you’re just another plastic trophy

that I upgraded.” The

admit

who respects me.” I stepped back, putting distance between

Ryan moved closer, invading my space again. “I respected you. I

funny way of showing it. With

red. “I

caught you making,” I interrupted. “Who knows how

His eyes pleaded with me. “We were together for years, Liv. Does that mean

entrance,

just

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