David looked at Louise, seeing only the immense financial burden. A bankrupt fiancée, a criminal mother, and now, dangerous debt. He saw an anchor, dragging him down.
He looked past her, toward Natalie, who stood radiating financial security and success.
David pushed Louise away from him.
"No," David said, his voice flat and devoid of emotion.
"David?" Louise whispered, looking genuinely shocked to sell the performance.
"I am done, Louise," David announced, his face pale with self-preservation. "I am not paying your debts. I am not dealing with your endless, stupid drama anymore. My life is a catastrophe, and you’re just accelerating the disaster."
He reached into his pocket and pulled off the ring he'd given her—a cheap, thin silver band that looked pitiful in the bright office ligh
