Chapter 3 The words slipped out before he realized how bad they sounded . He tried to grab my arm , but I pulled away . [ ] Some words cut deep - once they're out there , you can't take them back . [ ] When Ronan got home , I was packing . He hung his head and came up behind me , arms wrapping around my waist . [ ] " Babe , I messed up . Don't be pissed . " ] ] " I moved her to the branch office . You'll never see her again , promise . " ] ] I kept packing , completely ignoring him . [ ] Ronan grabbed my wrist , his voice going soft but deadly : [ ] 11 " Come on , quit being dramatic . Where you gonna go anyway ? It's not like you got family here anymore . " ] ] " Just chill . You're not usually this bitchy . " ] ] I went completely still to his words . [ ] Ronan knew exactly what he was doing . ] I'd burned bridges with my dad over HIM , followed his ass here to build his company from scratch . [ ] Those lonely nights when he was working late , I'd just stare at old family photos . [ ] Now he was using that against me . ] I looked at him . Suddenly I'd like never seen him before . [ ] We stood there in dead silence until his phone suddenly went off . Lana calling . He glanced at me hesitated , then declined the call . It rang again . ] Decline . [ ] Third time , he answered with fake irritation : [ ] " What'd I tell you about calling me ? " ] " Boss , please ... they won't stop making me drink ... I can't do this anymore ... I'm sorry , I suck ... " ] Her drunk voice made his whole face change . [ ] " Where are you ?! I'm on my way . " [ ] Chapter 3 He paused , gave me a long , intense look , then turned and walked out : [ ] " Last time , I swear . She works for us . Can't let something happen - looks bad for the company . " [ ] " What if I said I don't want you to go ? " ] ] I stared straight at him , but before I could finish my sentence , the door slammed shut in my face . [ ] My heart felt like it just got ripped apart , like someone took a knife and twisted it deep . [ ] I knew right then - we were fucking done . [ ] Within an hour , " Drake Industries CEO Arrested After Bar Fight " was all over Twitter . ] ] He'd barged into some upscale restaurant and beat the hell out of clients who were pressuring Lana to drink . Total shitshow . ] Ronan's white knight moment was trending citywide until someone with money made it disappear . ] ] I sat home alone while my phone kept lighting up with his messages : [ Babe , you're prob asleep . I'll grab those cupcakes you love tomorrow . Please don't be mad ? I swear she's just a coworker I'm helping out . Love you . ] ] ] I stared at my screen , wanting to laugh . ] After seven years , Ronan still didn't know I fucking hate dessert . ] ] When we were dead broke starting his company , I only ate those cupcakes because they were two bucks each . Saved money for rent . I pulled up Lana's TikTok . She was live - streaming from what looked like a bathroom , mascara running down her face : [] " My boss literally fought three guys tonight to protect me . God , if I wasn't such a screw - up , he wouldn't have to deal with this mess . " She paused dramatically , one hand on her stomach . [ ] " But ... he wasn't just protecting me . He was also protecting our baby . " [ ] The chat exploded : [ WAIT WHAT ?! Baby daddy energy ! Y'all are endgame ! ] ] ] [ He's gonna blame himself , she's gonna blame herself , this is some Nicholas Sparks shit right here ! ] [] I almost threw my phone . A baby ? Seriously ? ] Then I caught the location tag . County jail . [ ] Of course . His little rescue mission landed him behind bars . ] I didn't even hesitate . Speed dialed my aunt : ] Chapter 3 " Aunt Sarah , come pick me up . We're going to the police station . " ] ] ( 0 ) y 丝