Laura’s eyes were red and raw. “You’re only saying all this because you’re mad I lied to you, aren’t you? Admit it, you like me. Even just a little. Otherwise, why did you agree to be my boyfriend in the first place? Don’t tell me it was because of Petty again.”
“If you didn’t have any feelings at all, why let yourself owe me anything? Why act like you were forced into this by obligation?”
She knew Franco wasn’t the kind of man to be manipulated. Even if someone did him a favor, he wouldn’t let himself be forced by it. That’s why when Adelaide later pressured him to marry Petty, Laura already knew what he’d say before the words ever left his mouth.
Franco’s voice was deep and cold, every word cutting clear. “You were just someone convenient. A tool, that’s all.”
Laura stared, pale and stunned, watching Franco’s broad back as he walked away. “A tool?” she echoed, her voice trembling. “What does that even mean?”
She pressed on, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She wouldn’t believe it. She couldn’t. “I was your only girlfriend. I was the first woman you ever officially recognized.”
Franco ground his cigarette into the ashtray, his expression unreadable. “Long before you, she already dumped me once.”
Every moment we spent together only makes me regret ever meeting you.
Franco started up the stairs. “You mean nothing to me.”
Laura froze where she stood. “No way. She never even confessed to you before. How could she have dumped you?”
“She did,” Franco said quietly. An old memory flickered to life in his mind—a confession full of heat and innocence, burning through his restraint and making him want to give up everything, just to fall with her.
“You’re lying!” Laura shouted, desperate. “You’re lying to me!”
But all she got in return was the heavy sound of the basement door closing.
On the other side, Laura’s screams spilled out, sharp and ragged, but the door stayed shut.
Time crawled by.
Jay’s car pulled up in front of the James estate.
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