I stand, too. Somehow, it seems better to be standing when you shout at someone. “That’s not how any of this works! This doesn’t have a happy ending. I might have taken him down a peg, but Charles got what he wanted. And one way or another, Anastasios will get what he wants, too. Because I’ll either go along with his plan or I’ll be out of his hair. The only agency I have here is to choose between two bad options, so I’m going to choose the one that saves at least a part of me”—my voice cracks on the word—“not the words I wrote on a page.”

He stiffens suddenly and runs a hand through his hair. Letting out a forceful breath, he drops his arm back to his side. “You are more than your words,” he says quietly. “I’ve told you that before, and I meant it. I’ll love you forever; I meant that, too. But this isn’t how it ends, Scarlett. Charles won’t win. He doesn’t deserve it.” His eyes meet mine, and I can’t help feeling like it seems final. “But you do. Be strong enough to take it back.”

Without another word, he stalks to the door, opens it, and leaves.

Chapter 36

Ryan

Walking away from Scarlett has to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But between the miscarriage and the book, I don’t know where my head is at anymore. She doesn’t need my confusion right now. She’s already making stupid decisions based on a couple of bad days, and it didn’t seem like anything I was saying would change her mind. So, I left.

Once I get a chance to collect my thoughts, I’ll go back to her with a more rational argument about why she’s doing the wrong thing. Maybe I’ll devise a plan for her. I’ll title it Ten Steps to the Life You Want. No, too close to a self-help book. More like Why the Bad Guy Can’t Win. I’ll even put together a presentation. What the hell else am I doing? Not editing her book. That was yet another thing ripped out from under me today.

Charles fucking Hall cannot have the last laugh here. I won’t allow it. I don’t care if life isn’t a book with a happy ending. It simply cannot happen. Even if he gets to keep his deal, he shouldn’t get to make Scarlett give up hers in the process.