Chapter 5
“I called the officiant.”
Her heart sank.
“Matt.”
“I canceled Saturday.”
She covered her face.
He sat beside her, leaving a few inches between them.
“Do you remember when I proposed?”
Laurel nodded.
“At the beach.”
“You cried.”
“I was happy.”
“You were relieved.”
She looked at him.
Matt smiled sadly.
“You said, 'I never thought anyone would choose me again.'”
Laurel's lips trembled.
“I thought that was love.”
“So did I.”
He reached for her hand.
“But lately, every time we talk about the wedding, you look like someone standing at the edge of a cliff.”
“I'm sorry.”
“I know.”
“I never meant to use you to forget him.”
“I don't think you did.”
Matt took a breath.
“I think you genuinely wanted the life we were building. But wanting a life and being ready to live it aren't always the same thing.”
Laurel began sobbing.
He held her while she cried.
For two years, he had been her safe place.
And she hated that she couldn't give him the whole heart he deserved.
Finally, Matt stood.
He slipped the engagement ring gently from her finger.
Laurel looked up, startled.
“Matt—”
“I'm not taking it because I'm angry.”
He placed it on the table.
“I'm taking it because you shouldn't have to wear a promise you're not certain you can keep.”
At the door, he paused.
“Can I ask one favor?”
“Anything.”
“Don't run straight into his arms because you're afraid of being alone.”
Laurel nodded through tears.
“And don't stay away from him because you're afraid of hurting me.”
He opened the door.
“Laurel, whatever happens next, make sure it's your choice.”
Then he left.
And Laurel cried for a man who had loved her enough to let her go.
Lucas didn't call.
He didn't send flowers.
He didn't appear at her apartment with grand declarations.
Instead, he returned to Newport.
On Thursday morning, he met with the board of Prescott Hospitality.
His mother sat at the head of the conference table, wearing pearls and an expression of practiced authority.
Lucas placed a document before the directors.
“I won't be accepting the chairmanship Monday.”
Diana went pale.
“Lucas, don't be ridiculous.”
“I've also requested an independent review of several family-controlled accounts and transactions.”
The room grew quiet.
Diana stiffened.
“What transactions?”
Lucas looked at her.
“The ones you used to justify decisions you had no right to make.”