Ex's Revenge

CHAPTER FIVE

I sat there frozen in thought, Jeremy’s request still hanging in the air like a challenge. What does he mean by “marry me?” That proposition was ridiculous. But isn’t that what I wanted a marriage alliance?

I didn’t expect it to come this easily. I could swear he was up to something, but something about his expression felt genuine. Could this actually be my ticket to escaping Bethany’s shadow?

I knew this was an opportunity I had been looking forward to, but being handed to me on a platter of gold made it harder to trust. This was either the universe helping me or another sick game.

My thoughts were disrupted by Jeremy’s voice.

“What’s it going to be, cupcake?” he said, extending his hand to help me up.

He continued, “You don’t have to give me your answer now. I’ll wait for your reply.”

He helped me to my feet, gave me a wink, and vanished farther into the hallway.

I pulled myself together, wiped my tears, and plastered the best smile my face could produce as I made my way to the party.

I took a deep breath before entering the ballroom. All for Grandpa Willow. All for Grandpa Willow, I whispered to motivate myself as I stepped onto the dance floor, twirling and moving my hips to the music.

Then I sensed it, a feeling of someone staring at me. I turned to find Jeremy’s eyes gazing at me from a distance like a lion about to devour its prey. I quickly looked away, only to lock eyes with Bethany. The look on her face told me she sensed something, and she didn’t feel good about it.

“Hi, sister,” she said sweetly.

What does she want now? I murmured under my breath.

The music stopped, and I let out a sigh of relief as the speaker announced it was time for a slow dance. I used the opportunity to slip away from Bethany.

Before I could make my way out of the dance floor, I felt a hand grip my waist firmly.

I turned to find Jeremy.

“May I?”

The lights dimmed, the atmosphere growing intense and filled with passion. I followed his lead, his eyes locked on mine, filled with an emotion I couldn’t place. desire, maybe?

Murmurs filled the room as everyone stopped dancing to watch us. Jeremy pulled me in tighter, the scent of his cologne filling my nose. He smelled heavenly and safe. I let my head rest on his chest, feeling his heartbeat as we swayed. His body towered over mine, making me feel both small and strangely protected.

“Let’s give them a show to remember,” he whispered, pulling me into a long, passionate kiss.

As the music stopped, our eyes met. Everyone began to clap. I pulled away quickly, my face burning.

I glanced across the room to see Bethany in the corner, her face furious, moving through different shades of red.

“Amy!” she called out sharply. “It’s time for the toast to Grandpa Willow.”

Oh my God, I almost forgot!

Bethany and I made our way to the stage. I delivered my speech, my voice steady even though my heart raced. As I finished and moved to grab a glass of champagne from the other end of the stage, I felt a tug at my dress.

I stumbled forward, instinctively gripping the rope of the chandelier for balance. The room froze as the massive fixture came crashing down, shattering on the floor.

Screams filled the air, but my focus was on one person: Bethany.

She stared at me with mock innocence, her lips curling into the faintest smirk.

Anger surged through me. My hands balled into fists as I stormed toward her.

“What’s your problem?” I demanded, my voice shaking.

Bethany blinked, feigning confusion.

“Don’t,” I spat, my voice rising. “Don’t you dare pretend that stepping on my dress wasn’t on purpose. What did I ever do to you?

“First, you took my parents. Then Collins. Then your fake acknowledgment bullshit. What do you want from me? Haven’t you done enough? Did you have to humiliate me in front of everyone?”

I nudged her shoulder, my voice breaking. “Tell me! TELL ME!”

What did I expect? Bethany burst into tears.

The room went silent, the weight of my words hanging in the air.

“So this is what you really think of me, Amy?” she sobbed, her voice trembling. “All I’ve ever done is love you. Why can’t you be happy for me? You’ve never accepted me.

“I’m the real daughter of the Willows, but yet you treat me like an outsider. And now, you’ve shown everyone your hatred for me. How bold of you to assume I’d sabotage my only sister!”

I stood frozen as she continued crying. She was good—oh, she was good.

“That’s enough, both of you!” Grandpa Willow shouted from a distance.

My parents rushed to Bethany’s side, comforting her and ignoring me as if I wasn’t even there.

“Look what you did, Amy! You made your sister cry. You must be happy now,” my mother said, her words cutting deeper than any of Bethany’s actions.

Tears blurred my vision as I stood there in disbelief. How did I go from being the victim to the hated one?

I looked to my dad for help, but he just stood there, silent.

Bethany shot me a victorious smile.

I rushed out of the hall as fast as I could, tears streaming down my face. I locked myself in my room, wailing, my chest heaving with disappointment and rage. I hated myself for walking right into Bethany’s trap.

But Bethany was going to pay, for everything.

Ding.

A message popped up on my screen.

Hey cupcake, what’s it going to be?

It was Jeremy but how did he even get my number? I brushed the thought aside. That was the least of my worries now.

I WILL MARRY YOU.

As the text delivered, that was when I knew I was thirsty for revenge.