Chapter 3

3.

“Then let’s just break up.”

I stepped out from the shadows and spoke.

The entire deck fell into a deathly silence.

Callie didn't even flinch. She just lit a cigarette and spared me a casual glance.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“What? Did I ruin your fun?”

I couldn't stop looking at the red marks on her neck. I looked at the model standing awkwardly beside her.

The model saw my face and scrambled away.

“Harrison, I’ll give you one chance. Take that back, and I’ll pretend I didn't hear it.”

She climbed out of the pool and walked toward me. She reached for my hand.

I stepped back, letting her grasp at thin air.

“I said, we’re done,” I repeated.

“So you heard what I said?” she asked.

She took a drag of her cigarette. She wasn't even angry that I dodged her.

“I won't marry you, but I’d never truly leave you. You’ve been with me for too long.”

Her words made me want to gag.

“Callie, do you actually think you haven't done anything wrong?”

“Stop making a scene,” she said, her patience thinning.

“Is it about money? I’ll have Tiana wire you ten million dollars later.”

I remembered the Callie from years ago. She was a broken girl in a wheelchair.

Sometimes, she couldn't even control her own bladder.

I was the one who cleaned her. I was the one who held her when she cried in shame.

Back then, she couldn't even look me in the eye.

“Thank you,” she used to whisper. “I’ll find a way to repay you someday.”

It seemed she had forgotten every promise she ever made.

“I don't want your money. I’m going home to pack my things.”

“It’s over, Callie. For real.”

I’ve always been a decisive person.

When I’m done, I’m done. There is no turning back.

“Whatever,” she spat.

She turned back to her models. “Keep the music going! Whoever makes me the happiest tonight gets to stay with me.”

I walked away without looking back.

But at the corner of the deck, I paused for a split second. I wondered if she was just acting out of anger.

“Callie, Harrison looks really mad. Should you go after him?” someone whispered.

“Yeah, what if he actually leaves?”

Callie was already dancing with a new guy. Her face was full of disdain.

“I’m rich now. He’d never actually leave me.”

“I bet he’ll be back begging for forgiveness within three days.”