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Nora said my teenage rebellious years hit late,and my virtual husband was just a normal guy.
My first romance died.
I met James through business.Post-bidding,soaked wet in pouring rain,a black SUV stopped beside me.
James,the CEO of our rival company,politely offered a ride.Soaked and shivering,I was mortified as my wet shirt revealed my bra.I clutched my bag;he handed me his jacket.
Then,it was cliche.
Returning the jacket,dinners,drives home—he confessed his love,I accepted.
Three years of secret dating,hidden,never public.
He insisted he would marry me,and I believed him.
Until one night,I some texts on his phone.He promised his buddy details of my company's bid.
It hit me—he never wanted actually me to quit.He was using me as an inside man.
Looking back,he had subtly pumped me for info.I broke out in cold sweat.
Nora said I couldn't waste three years for nothing.Even if I see this whole thing as my youth fed to a dog, I should still skin it.
I didn't agree with her dog analogy—James was worse than dogs.
Nora and I tricked him confessing what he did on tape,then negotiated with him and got me three million.
At the breakup,James said,"Victoria,I thought you were a docile bunny.Didn't expect this move from you."
Stone-faced,I replied,"James,even bunnies bite when cornered,especially after a dog's bite."
I felt sorry for all the dogs out there because I just insulted them again.
When my company sent me on a business trip,I seized the chance.
Time to cut losses, I decided.While Lucas was out,I left a card with $200,000 in it and a letter,and fled with my suitcase.
In a new city,I felt free,but hollow.
Maybe Lucas would move out,and I'd resume normal life.He was still young—I'd be just another passersby in his life.
He'd be the same for me.
Three months of"keeping"him were exhausting but joyful.
There was no future between us, so better cut it clean now.
I didn't expect him to chase me.
At a business meeting,slightly drunk,I hit the restroom.Washing my hands,I turned to leave.
A strong embrace trapped me suddenly.I opened my mouth to scream,but a hand covered it.
Struggling,I caught a familiar scent.
Yup,my pup.He released me.
"Not fighting?Enjoying it?"His eyes glinted dangerously.
Before I could answer,a voice I hated cut in.
"Victoria Evans,you've really stepped up now,acting so bold in public."
My tipsy brain scrambled to retort James when Lucas spoke coolly.
"Uncle,long time no see."
