“You’re really something. Crying and begging another woman to give up her man?” His words grew sharper. “Who do you think you are? And why should she walk away just because you ask?”
Lyla opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She was completely taken aback.
“Listen.” Eric tilted his neck, and a sharp cracking sound cut through the air. “Zane is hers. And you… disappear. Try stepping in her way again. Lyla Cooper, right? Your precious family will—”
“Here we go again,” thought Hadley with a groan. Was he really about to threaten Lyla using the Cooper family name?
“Eric!” Hadley grabbed his arm before he could say more. “Stay out of this.”
“Hadley!” Zane came rushing into the garage at that moment.
Lyla had been waiting outside his office this whole time, even though he refused to see her. Then worry hit him after Hadley’s visit. What if Lyla had crossed paths with Hadley? What if she had caused trouble? So Zane hurried over.
And sure enough, he arrived just in time to see what was happening.
“Lyla, get up!” Zane didn’t even stop to apologize to Hadley first. He reached down and yanked Lyla to her feet. “Stop making a scene! No matter what you do, it won’t change anything. I’ve already told you—it’s over!”
“Zane!” Lyla sobbed harder at the sight of him, but she rose to her feet. “I didn’t know what else to do. You won’t see me… It’s because of her, isn’t it?”
“Because of who?” Zane laughed bitterly and shot an uneasy glance at Hadley. He turned back to Lyla and said, “Hadley has nothing to do with this! Have you forgotten our marriage ended a long time ago? We’re finished, Lyla. We’ve been over for years.”
“But… but you haven’t dated anyone since, right?” Lyla stammered, unwilling to give up. “That means something! You still have feelings for me. You were waiting. Until she—”
“No!” Zane bellowed, veins standing out along his temple.
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His face had gone stiff and ashen with frustration and embarrassment. He turned to Hadley, his eyes filled with regret. “I’m sorry, Hadley… I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay!”
Hadley nodded quickly, picking up on the storm brewing in Zane. She stepped forward, tugged Eric by the arm, and then glanced at Tamara. “We’re heading out. Bye, Zane!”
“Alright.” Zane gave her a tired but grateful smile. “Take care.”
“Leave? Why?” Eric muttered, unhappy. He wasn’t ready to go. Zane’s humiliation wasn’t his problem, and he hadn’t said everything he wanted to yet. “Zane—”
“Let’s go!” Hadley snapped, glaring at him. “We’re leaving. Did you not hear me?”
Eric opened his mouth to argue but shut it just as fast. “Fine.”
“Move it! Come on!” Hadley hissed, dragging him by the arm.
As they walked off, Zane let go of Lyla and rubbed his temples wearily. “Lyla, you already ruined my life once. Two years have passed. Are you really going to ruin it all over again?”
“You…” Lyla’s voice faltered, and her face went ashen. “W-what do you mean? Do you really have feelings for Hadley?”
Zane met her eyes and nodded resolutely. “Yes. I care about her.”
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