These weren’t just any properties—they were the ones Danny had transferred to my name when he proposed. A penthouse in Rivera, a suburban villa, and two four-bedroom apartments right in the heart of the city.
“Yeah, I’m serious,” I said. “The contracts are signed. Just find buyers ASAP. I need the money.”
Danny’s eyes narrowed as he noticed my tone. His hand shot out, gripping my wrist so hard I winced.
“Who was that?” he demanded.
“The agent.”
“An agent? For what?”
Feigning nonchalance, I shrugged. “Oh, just asking about a listing for someone else.”
His shoulders relaxed. “Good. Paige, I’m all yours now. I swear, Mia won’t come between us again.”
I raised an eyebrow but didn’t bother responding.
Before I could call him out, his phone buzzed. A quick conversation later, Danny was out the door, still in his slippers, rushing like his life depended on it.
I waved dismissively and went back to packing.
***
By the time I was almost done packing, Danny called again. “Paige, Mia’s depression flared up. I’m scared she’ll do something stupid. You know how suicidal she can get.”
I let out a dry laugh. “Spare me the speech. I don’t care.”
Suddenly, Mia’s sobbing voice cut in. “Paige, I’m so sorry. I can’t control myself anymore. I just… I just want it all to end.
“That way, you and Danny can be together forever.”
“Then go ahead and die. No one cares.”
I wasn’t falling for it. My therapist had already told me Mia’s little breakdowns were just part of her act.
On the other end, chaos exploded—Mia’s over-the-top wailing, Danny yelling. “Paige, you’re heartless! I wish I could rip you open and see if your heart’s made of stone!
“Mia’s depression is your fault! You’ve been cruel to her from the start. Are you happy now, driving her to this?”
“Yes,” I said flatly.
“You’re unreal,” he growled before the line went dead, probably because he’d smashed his phone. Typical Danny tantrum. Not my problem.
There were only four days left until the wedding, and I was almost out. Just a few loose ends to tie up before I could leave Danny and his chaos in the rearview mirror.
As I hauled out another suitcase and waited for the movers, Danny barged in.
His face was pale, his jaw tight, and his eyes flicked frantically between the luggage and the nearly empty house.
“Where are you going?” His voice cracked. “Paige, tell me you’re not leaving. You’re not… right?”
