Chapter 3

3

I opened the velvet box to reveal a custom luxury chronograph watch.

The irony was that I already owned the exact same model.

I had worn it in front of her dozens of times, yet she had never once paid attention.

Seeing how utterly careless she was toward me drove another stake through my heart.

I set the box down on the coffee table.

"Thanks, but I already have this exact watch. I wear it all the time."

Natalie's smile froze, clearly caught off guard.

She bit her lip and let out an awkward laugh.

"Really? I guess I didn't notice. I'm so sorry, Austin. I'll make sure to get you something better next time."

When I didn't respond, she stepped behind me and placed her hands on my shoulders.

"You look tense, babe. Let me give you a massage so you can relax."

The silence in the room grew heavy. Leo scowled at me and stomped upstairs without a word.

I knew he was angry at me for rejecting his mother's gift, but I didn't care anymore.

Natalie's fingers stiffened as she sensed my coldness. Before she could say another word, a sharp knock sounded at the front door.

Brock's voice drifted in from the porch.

"Natalie, you left your jacket in my car! I brought it over for you."