Chapter 16
Three years ago, when Renee got the chance to study abroad, Finley begged her to stay.
She didn’t hesitate–just dumped him on the spot. Said she had dreams to chase, a star to become, and no room for distractions. Even when he swore he’d wait, she shot him down, claiming she didn’t trust herself to stay loyal overseas. End of story.
Now, she was back. And, of course, the first thing she did? Text him to pick her up from the
airport.
Seeing her again, Finley couldn’t deny that flicker of nostalgia. They’d grown up together -Renee, three years younger, had always been his princess, the one he’d spoiled without question. Being with her had felt inevitable. But somehow, they ended up here.
“I regret it, Finley.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “I realize now–you’re the one who matters most. I love you. I still love you. Do you feel the same?”
Finley stood, gaze steady. “I won’t lie to you. When I married Claire, I still loved you. But now? I don’t. The only person I love is Claire–now and forever.”
Renee’s lips parted. She was stunned. She and Megan had gone all out, thinking he’d cave, that guilt would make him change his mind. But instead, he threw this at her?
“I’m going to find Claire. Take care of yourself. And stop with the reckless stunts. My flight’s in three hours, and my phone’s going off. Whatever you do, I won’t see it. Don’t hurt yourself.”
She begged, but he didn’t turn back.
Desperation clawed at Renee as she scrambled onto the windowsill. The second Finley reached the ground floor, her voice rang out.
Finley Lloyd! If you walk away—I’ll jump!”
What started as an act was spiraling fast. Megan, realizing Renee was losing it, tried to pull
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Chapter 16
her back, but Renee snapped.
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“Stay away! Don’t come near me! I have everything–everything but love! Three years–I thought I was over you. But the second I saw you, it all came back. I never stopped loving you! So why did you fall for someone else?”
She swayed on the ledge, teetering on the edge of disaster.
Below, a crowd gathered.
“Wait… isn’t that Renee Slutsky?” Someone gasped. “The actress? Holy crap, is she really about to jump?”
“For what? A guy? I thought she was single?”
“This is insane! She wouldn’t actually do it… right?”
Finley frowned. “Renee, have you lost your mind? Do you even hear yourself?”
“I know exactly what I’m doing!” she shot back. “I want you back! I won’t let you run to Claire–I want you to divorce her!”
She held his gaze, stubborn, desperate. She’d been gambling ever since she left, first betting he’d wait. Now, betting he wouldn’t leave her behind.
But she lost.
Finley had fallen for someone else.
After a long pause, he finally looked at her. “I’m sorry, Renee. Take care of yourself.”
Then, he turned and walked away.
The moment he took his first step, Renee screamed, “Finley Lloyd, you’ll regret this!”
And then–she jumped.
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