Too Pretty to Be Your Backup novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Travis‘ face was stone cold as he grabbed Amanda’s hand and led her into his office. Leila tried to follow, but the door shut right in her face, locking her out. She wobbled on her heels, her complexion so pale she almost looked see–through. Instinctively, she turned to Fiona for help.

Fiona couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off with Travis today. He’d never brought Amanda to the office before, and now here she was, walking right in. Plus, he’d just fired Chad. Sure, Chad had been caught doing side gigs, but Fiona was convinced the real reason for his firing had something to do with Amanda.

Amanda saw Travis close the door and immediately rushed to open it again. “Leila’s still outside!” she said urgently.

There was a time when Amanda would’ve loved nothing more than to keep Leila out of any moment she had alone with Travis. Now, she just wanted anyone–especially Leila–around so she wouldn’t have to be alone with him.

Travis caught her wrist before she could reach the door and gently pulled her away. He steered her to the sofa, his arm caging her in. His handsome face was so close she could smell his cologne and hear his steady heartbeat.

He watched her, unreadable and calm, his eyes dark and intense. “Why do you think I let Chad go?”

She shrugged. “You found out he went behind your back. What can I say? My bad luck predictions are always spot–on.”

Chad’s miserable reaction earlier only confirmed he’d done something to betray Travis.

“I did it for you,” Travis said.

Amanda frowned, pushing him away. Her expression said it all–she didn’t buy it. “Travis, what at work is your business. Don’t drag me into it, okay?”

you do

For her? Please. All he’d done was make her a convenient scapegoat. Chad was petty enough to blame her now, and Travis had just made her life harder.

Travis didn’t get upset when she pushed him away. His eyes just stayed cool, fixed on her. “I didn’t know how badly he treated you. I only found out yesterday.”

So that was why.

Amanda’s frown deepened. His words confused her, but the sincerity in his eyes left her feeling oddly irritated. “Travis, are you serious right now?”

Amanda sighed, all patience gone. “You never explained yourself before. You never cared. Why start now? You think this is supposed to move me? Don’t bother.”

Whatever hope she’d once had for him was long gone. If he’d ignored her all those years, he should just keep ignoring her now. This sudden concern only annoyed her more. If he could change now, why hadn’t he cared back then? The answer was simple; he just never cared.

Travis seemed to understand her resistance. For a split second, his face softened, a trace of

helplessness flickering in his eyes. He reached out, gently touching her cheek. His voice was low and

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Chapter 35

tempting. “I know I messed up with the engagement party. I didn’t think things through. I’m sorry, okay? Please, forgive me.”

Amanda’s lips curled in a bitter smile. It stung–this was the first time in seven years she’d ever heard him apologize like this. He thought everything was about the engagement party. He had no idea that was just the last straw.

She let out a long sigh, her gaze distant. “Travis, I’ve already forgiven you for the engagement party. But we’re done. Can’t we just break up peacefully?”

Travis gently pressed a finger to her lips, then took her hand and kissed it softly. His eyes were full of a tenderness she’d never seen before, as though he wanted to sweep her away in it.

He was never the type to show his feelings, not like this.

“We’re not breaking up,” he said quietly. “I know I’ve let you down. Give me another chance. I’ll throw an even bigger engagement party for you. I promise I won’t ignore you again. Please?”

Amanda’s eyes burned, her nose stinging with the threat of tears.

He knew he’d neglected her, knew she was hurt, and had known all along. So why did he only realize it after she’d suffered through all the heartbreak? Her heart was already in pieces.

All she wanted was to escape.

“Travis, we-” she started, but was interrupted.

“Ms. Price, are you alright?” Fiona’s voice shouted from the hallway, followed by frantic knocking.

“Mr. Hill, Ms. Price fainted!”

In a split second, Travis was gone. He rushed to the door and pulled it open.

Leila was sprawled on the ground, ghostly pale.

Without hesitation, Travis swept her up in his arms and dashed toward the elevator.

Amanda just stared after them, numb. She hadn’t even processed what just happened. But she hadn’t missed the way Leila, safe in Travis‘ arms, cracked open her eyes and shot Amanda a smug, taunting smile.

It was a look that said, I win again.

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