Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Derek had spent enough years in the corporate world to know how to recover fast. Within seconds, he'd smoothed his expression and plastered on a tight smile. "Babe," he moved closer, his voice barely audible, "can we please not do this right now?" "Let's talk later. Not here." "Riley, come on." He shifted into full damage-control mode, his tone almost pathetic. "I have never asked you for anything." "I'm asking now. Please." God, hearing him beg like that-even though I'd mentally prepared myself for every possible scenario, my hands still wouldn't stop shaking. Even knowing he'd chosen someone else, watching him actually ask me to shut up and play nice so he could protect her? That hit different. It was fucking absurd. "What if I don't?" The words came out sharper than I meant them to, my chest tight with rage I could barely contain. "What if I decide I'm done playing along?" "What then, Derek?" I stared right into his eyes-the same ones I used to think were so soft and loving. Now I could see something else there. Something hard and mean flickered across his face before he straightened up and spoke. Riley, We're adults here. Adults keep things classy." I really don't want this turning into a scene." Oh, right. Adults and their precious civility, But you know what? Dignity is for people who actually have some. And for shameless assholes? Why the hell should I play by those rules? I smiled at Derek-at that smug, confident look on his face because he just knew I'd cave like I always did. Then I raised my hand and slapped him hard across the face. The crack echoed through the entire ballroom. "Derek." "What the fuck makes you think you get to boss me around right now?" "I'm NOT some intern you can just order around." I drew my hand back for another one, but Jade came barreling over and shoved me back hard, her voice shrill and hysterical. 16:19 Dear Hubby. Your Biggest Mistake? Thinking I'd Beg Instead of Burn 3.1% hapter 5 How dare you hit him!" You have no right!" Who the hell do you even think you are?" ight on cue, her eyes flooded with tears, her whole face crumpling like she was the real victim here-but then someone grabbed a stful of her hair from behind. laddie yanked her head back viciously and landed a slap across her face that rang out clear as a bell. y pushing her again. Go ahead, I'm begging you." y now, half the room had turned to stare at the train wreck unfolding on stage. Confused voices started bubbling up from every orner. Wait, what's happening?" Jade, who are these women?" ler faculty advisor jabbed an accusing finger in my direction, his face red with outrage. "This is assault! Physical assault!" You realize I can press charges?" he whole ballroom descended into absolute chaos then. fore guests piled on, voices rising in anger. Get this psycho out of here right now!" Someone needs to call security!" Where the hell are they anyway?" someone else hollered. "How did these lunatics even get past the door?" swept my gaze across the pandemonium below, then turned back to Derek-who suddenly couldn't seem to look me in the eye nymore. So what's it gonna be, Derek? You gonna tell everyone the truth, or should I do it for you?" took a step closer Jade looked absolutely terrified but still threw herself between us, playing the devoted girlfriend protecting her nan. Because here's the thing" "You want respect? Then act like you deserve it." I raised my hand again, Jade immediately threw her arms over her face and let out this car splitting scream-right as fingers clamped around my wrist and wrenched it back. I whipped around to find Derek's face twisted with rage. "Riley!" "Enough! Are you fucking done yet?" 16:20 Dear Hubby your Di