Too Pretty to Be Your Backup novel Chapter 73

Travis walked right up to her, his face unreadable. “I’m sending Leila overseas. She won’t be in our way anymore.”

Amanda’s chest heaved with anger. Was he even listening? How were they always talking past each other? Was this about Leila now? She’d made it clear she didn’t want to get engaged, but he was stuck on something else entirely.

Travis straightened his suit, then turned to the staff. “Make sure she tries everything on today.”

He caught Amanda’s furious stare and smoothed back into his usual calm, polished self. “I’ll be at the office.”

And just like that, he strode out, leaving her fuming.

“I’m not trying on anything! Get them out of here!” Amanda yelled after him, but all she got was his back as he disappeared down the hallway.

She was so mad she could scream.

The dozen or so people left in the room only took orders from Travis. They started bringing out gowns and jewelry for her to try. If she so much as hesitated, someone would gently but firmly hold her in place and keep going.

She wanted to curse them out.

After stewing for a while, Amanda finally gave in. These people were just doing their jobs. Fighting them wouldn’t get her anywhere, and she’d only end up even more exhausted.

So she put on every fancy dress and every piece of glittering jewelry they brought her, and when it was time to choose, she picked the ugliest sets on purpose.

Once they were done, the staff packed up and hurried out of the villa as quickly as they could.

Amanda slung her bag over her shoulder, ready to get out of there too, but as soon as she reached the front door, four well-trained bodyguards blocked her path.

“Ms. Tully, please stay inside. You’re not allowed to leave before the engagement party,” one of them said.

Amanda couldn’t help but let out a laugh, sharp and bitter. “So Travis is actually keeping me prisoner now?”

Cindy was furious. “Are you serious? He’s actually locking you up? That’s insane!”

Her tone softened, worried now. “Where are you? I’ll come get you.”

Amanda shook her head, even though Cindy couldn’t see her. “Don’t. If Travis wants to act crazy, let him. I don’t want you mixed up in this and getting into trouble too. And just between us, I’ve already planned to go study abroad. I’m leaving in a few days.”

Cindy’s voice turned gentle, full of concern. “Amanda, are you only doing this because Travis is forcing you?”

Amanda and Cindy were close, and she’d told her before how much she didn’t want to go. Changing her mind so suddenly could only mean one thing. It was all because of Travis—who else?

Amanda gave a small, tired laugh. “I’ll be honest, Travis is most of the reason. If I stay here, he’ll find me no matter what. Going abroad is the only way to get away from him for a while. I’ll just treat it like a long vacation.”

After all, last time she tried to run, Travis found her anyway.