Chapter 9
To prove his determination, Nolan began appearing everywhere in my life like a persistent shadow. No matter where I went, he was there, silently watching over me. When I was working, he’d sit quietly nearby, occasionally bringing me water or gently reminding me to take breaks. He event appointed himself as my unofficial assistant, handling various errands and tasks with surprising dedication. Taking it even further, he rented the apartment directly across from mine, sending fresh flowers and breakfast every morning, clearly settling in for what he saw as a long–term campaign to
win me back.
His stubborn persistence drove Mindy nearly crazy. “I swear I’m going to hire bodyguards to keep him away from you,” she threatened one day, fuming.
I just gave her a knowing smile and waved off her concern. I understood Nolan all too well – he simply couldn’t handle being the one left behind in relationships, whether it was with Skylar or me. He never appreciated what he had until it slipped through his fingers, and only then would he put on this grand performance of devoted love.
What I hadn’t expected was Skylar showing up, her face twisted with rage as she pointed an accusing finger at me. “Lily, you’re nothing but the daughter of my family’s former servant! How dare you compete with me for Nolan? Running away from your wedding, luring him here you’re nothing but a manipulative schemer!”
Skylar had always loved introducing me as her family’s servant’s daughter, and even now, despite her own fall from grace, she still carried herself with that same entitled attitude. But this time, I wasn’t going to let it slide. I gave her a mocking smile. “Well, Skylar, if you’re so confident, why don’t you just take Nolan back with you? Stop bothering me here.”
My words hit a nerve, and she practically exploded. “What are you so smug about? He’s only here because his ego’s bruised from being dumped! We grew up together – I’m the one he truly loves!” “Enough!” Nolan’s ice–cold voice cut through the air as he suddenly appeared behind us, roughly pushing Skylar aside. “Who told you to come here? I’ve made myself perfectly clear – I love Lily, and I don’t want to see you anywhere near her ever again.”
Skylar’s eyes immediately welled up with tears, her voice trembling with practiced vulnerability. “Nolan, you told me you loved me, that I was the one you wanted to marry. How can you treat me
like this?”
In the past, her tears would have been enough to make Nolan cave, rushing to comfort her. But now he just stood there, his gaze cold and unforgiving. “Don’t play innocent. I know all about your escapades abroad – how you’ve been passed around and now you’re looking for someone to Settle down with. You really think you’re worthy?”
I raised an eyebrow, secretly amused at this unexpected piece of drama unfolding before me. Now this was getting interesting.
Skylar’s sobs caught in her throat as she desperately clutched at Nolan’s sleeve. “That’s all in the
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with her to make me jealous. I’m back now–we can start over.”
“Get out,” Nolan snarled, violently shaking off her grip with undisguised revulsion. “You’re not worth even Lily’s little finger. I wouldn’t be with you if you were the last person on Earth.”
Skylar stood frozen, shock written across her face at Nolan’s brutal rejection. Her tear–filled eyes suddenly snapped to me, blazing with fury. She lunged forward, manicured nails aimed at my face. “You little homewrecker!” she shrieked. “This is all your fault, Lily! You stole him from me!”
I stumbled backward, my heart leaping into my throat. Before I could react, Nolan’s arm shot out like lightning, catching Skylar’s wrist in an iron grip. “Have you completely lost your mind, Skylar?” he
growled, his voice dangerously low.
But Skylar had crossed the line into hysteria. She thrashed against Nolan’s restraining grip, forcing him to use both hands to hold her back. Their struggle turned into a desperate grappling match,
with Skylar trying to break free while Nolan attempted to subdue her without causing harm. I backed away from the chaos, my hands trembling. This wasn’t my fight, and I wanted no part in their toxic history. Retreating into the house, I closed the door behind me, my heart still racing. Through the window panes, I watched their continued struggle, my finger hovering over my phone’s emergency dial. The situation was spiraling out of control, and I debated whether calling the police
would make things better or worse.
Finally, Nolan managed to end the confrontation by firmly pushing Skylar away, causing her to stumble and fall onto the lawn. She scrambled to her feet, her designer outfit now grass–stained and disheveled. Her eyes, still burning with rage and wounded pride, met his one last time. But even Skylar could see this was a battle she couldn’t win. With as much dignity as she could muster, she turned and stormed off into the night, leaving only the echo of her heels clicking against the
pavement.
