Chapter 11 

Two days in bed and my partner was barely functional again. 

He got up and said he had to go negotiate with Lena-“for the future of our company,” 

Whatever. 

I heard she lit up when she found out I agreed to the partnership. 

All I could do was laugh. 

The same woman who ignored me no matter how hard I begged, 

now loses her mind over every little move I make. 

Isn’t that rich? 

But the funniest part? 

Right when our project was wrapping up, 

she pulled a full–on rom–com stunt outside my office building. 

She arranged candles in a heart shape. 

She had a cake. 

She held flowers. 

She stood outside yelling, “Ryan, marry me!” like some lovesick undergrad. 

I was in Sloane’s bakery downstairs, ordering a custom cake to celebrate our launch. 

When I heard the yelling, I nearly dropped my phone. 

Sloane raised an eyebrow. 

“Let me guess… that wife of yours out there–is that you she’s screaming for?” 

I held a finger to my lips. 

“Can we not advertise that?” 

She set down her cake knife. 

“Yikes. That woman’s seriously messing with my business.” 

Then she wiped her hands and walked out. 

11..hand and Sons Locked Me in a Coffin 

36.20% 

crept to the door, trying to hear them, 

but I could only see Sloane pointing off down the street, clearly trying to send Lend away 

Lena, of course, refused to go. 

She spotted me peeking through the glass. 

Pushed past Sloane. 

Came right up and dropped to one knee. 

Held up the bouquet. 

“Ryan, marry me.” 

I mean… what a damn joke. 

The first time we got married, we had nothing. 

Five years later, she’s giving me the grand proposal treatment. 

But it’s too late. 

I don’t want any of it. 

I smacked the flowers out of her hand. 

Kicked over the cake. 

Said just one word. 

“Leave.” 

That was it. 

Not another syllable for her. 

My partner’s dumb little plan? 

Didn’t even get to the “sweet revenge” part. 

I was already disgusted. 

Lena looked stunned. 

She tried to grab my arm. 

Sloane stepped between us. 

“Girl, you heard him. He said leave. Don’t embarrass yourself.” 

apter 11 

Lena, all shy and soft with me, suddenly got bold with her. 

“And who are you?” 

She looked Sloane up and down, sneered. 

“You’re dumping me for her? A cupcake seller?” 

“What could she possibly give you? What, her bakery pays your rent?” 

I turned, ready to rip her a new one–but Sloane beat me to it. 

She raised a finger and smiled. 

“Actually, sweetheart, I don’t pay rent.” 

“I own the building.” 

“Baking’s just a little side hobby of mine.”