Denied
344 Words
*RILEY HARRINGTON'S POV*
After an hour of feeling out of place at the bar, a buzz ripples through the room. Cameras flash as Wilden steps onto the deck.
But he’s not alone. Briana Sullivan walks beside him, arm linked through his. She’s stunning in a short gold strapless dress, platinum hair swept into a French twist. She looks like she belongs there—like she belongs to him.
Photographers shout his name. Guests gather as Wilden and Briana move to the center of the deck. She blows kisses to the cameras, hand resting possessively on his arm. My stomach twists.
Wilden raises a hand and the band falls silent.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the sixth annual Lux celebration. Thank you for making this year our most successful yet. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and dancing. Have fun.”
Applause erupts, then journalists swarm him.
“Mr. Wulfric, what’s your relationship with Ms. Sullivan?”
“Is there more to your partnership than business?”
My heart pounds.
Briana smiles at him. Wilden answers calmly, “Briana is incredible and invaluable to my brand. But no, we are not dating.”
I exhale, relieved.
Then he adds, “But I would be proud to date a woman of her beauty and character.”
The words hit like a slap.
Briana turns to the cameras, eyes bright. “I’ve admired him for years. He’s brilliant, kind, charismatic—everything I’ve wanted in a partner. Hearing him say that feels like a dream.”
Cheers rise again. A reporter grins at Wilden. “A kiss, perhaps?"
I freeze. He won’t. He’ll tell them about me.
Instead, Wilden takes Briana’s hand, lifts her chin, and kisses her. Right there, in front of everyone. The cameras click like knives against my chest.
Tears burn my eyes. My legs go weak. The room tilts, voices blurring into noise. I grip the bar, but it isn’t enough.
The last thing I see is a flash of camera light before my knees give out and the floor rushes up to meet me.
- Writer
