The Marriage Bargain - ENGLOT

Chapter 34: Night 11

I stormed out of Alexa's condo, feeling angry and betrayed. I couldn't believe that I had actualy tried to be with someone who had been so deceitful and calculating. My stomach was twisted in knots, and I felt like I needed to get away.

I got in my car and drove aimlessly, not sure where to go or what to do. After a while of aimless driving, I decided to go to Quinn. She is the only person I trusted with my deepest secrets, the only person who would always have my back right away.

When I arrived, I pounded on the door and shouted Quinn's name.

The door opened and Quinn took one look at me before moving aside and letting me go in. I just collapsed onto her couch and tried to calm myself down. Quinn didn't say anything, just waited until I was ready to talk.

"Em, what's wrong?" She asked softly, concern etched on her face.

My shoulders slumped down, feeling exhausted both mentally and physically. "It's Alexa," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "She did something to Cadence three years ago, said something to her."

I told her everything that had happened with Alexa, how she had driven Cadence away and lied to me about it for years. Quinn listened intently, offering me a sympathetic ear and a shoulder to cry on.

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Start of flashback: (this is right after chap. 21, Cadence just got off the phone with Emory about her movie casting, remember?)

Cadence's POV:

...

As I was on the phone with Emory, I wasn't paying much attention to my surroundings and didn't see someone coming my way.

BAM! I bumped into her, almost dropping my phone in the process. "Watch where you're going!" she said in a condescending tone.

I shook my head to clear my vision and looked up to see Alexa staring down at me. My heart sank a bit. The last time we had met, at nonna's party, she had insulted me and said some pretty unpleasant things. I didn't forget that anytime soon.

"Oh hey Cadence! I didn't realize it was you!" She smiled, a smile that doesn't make you feel better.

I rolled my eyes and ignored her first comment. "Sorry Alexa, I didn't see you there." I replied, trying to be polite.

"I haven't seen you in ages." she exclaimed, her face lighting up. "We should catch up."

I sighed, not really in the mood for small talk with someone I didn't particularly care for. But then I remembered something - this was a chance for me to be the bigger person.

"Okay," I said, forcing a smile. "How's life been treating you?"

She seemed to relax a little at my friendly response. "Not too bad," she admitted. "I've been keeping busy with stuff. How's Emory? How are you guys doing?"

I couldn't help but boast about my relationship with Emory and rub it in her face. "Yeah we're doing really good. She's been awesome."

"That's great..." She hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Listen, I know we haven't always been on the best terms...but how about we grab lunch as my way of apologizing? It's my treat."

I raised an eyebrow at her sudden generosity. "Okay, sure," I said, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. "I guess I can't say no to a free meal."

As we walked toward the nearest café, I couldn't help but wonder what had prompted her to reach out like this. Unbeknownst to me, this would be the worst lunch I'll be in.