Drew Simmons burst into the room and pulled me into his arms.

A hug that used to mean nothing—and now it made my stomach turn.

"Willow, I couldn't reach you. You scared me half to death."

"I sent you a hundred messages, called you a hundred times, and you were just gone."

"Willow, don't do this. Don't shut me out."

The whole devoted-boyfriend act—I didn't know whether to laugh or gag.

I pushed him away without letting my face betray anything. Every point of contact between us made me feel sick.

"Willow, just let me explain—"

Crack.

My hand was already across his face, a red mark blooming on his cheek.

"Why did you lie to me, Drew?"

"You're the richest family's only son, and you played poor to trick me. Did you think I was stupid?"

He reached up to wipe my tears, and only then did I realize they were already streaming down my face.

"You got Zelda Harding pregnant. Why did you keep coming back to me?"

"I scrimped and saved every cent so we could get married sooner, and you made me look like a fool!"

I was shaking with rage.

The tenderness in Drew's eyes vanished. What replaced it was cold, flat impatience.

"Willow, when I first saw you, you were busing tables in the cafeteria. You really think I could tell my friends I was into the lunch lady?"

"And if I'd walked up as who I actually am? You and your pride—you would've turned me down on the spot."

"I lowered myself for you, Willow. The least you could do is be grateful."

"You have no idea how hard it was to choke down those disgusting street-stall meals and the spinach noodles you made."

"I ate every bite. Because you liked them."

So everything I'd treasured as romance was just something he'd forced himself to stomach.

"What am I to you, Drew?"

"A toy? Entertainment for you and your friends?"

He grabbed my wrist hard enough that I couldn't pull free.

"Don't say that about yourself. Seven years, Willow—you really can't tell that I meant it?"

Real. Nothing about it was real. All of it was a lie.

"If it's real, then break off your engagement with the Hardings. Marry me."

His hand went rigid. His eyes turned cold.

"Willow, why can't we just leave things the way they are? I'll give you money. Nothing has to change."

So that was it. He just wanted to keep me tucked away where no one could see—his hidden woman on the side. And who knew how many others there were.

I let out a bitter laugh. "And if I refuse? What if I tell Zelda Harding everything?"