I Left the Triangle They Thought I Needed Chapter 02

It was Natalie’s voice. I pressed myself against the wall, desperate to hear everything.

James’s voice was strained.

“What are we doing wrong? I just want to take care of you. Is that a crime?”

Natalie’s voice cracked. “I admit, I admire you. I think you’re incredible. But what about Emily? She’s my best friend. If her family hadn’t paid for my school, I would have…”

James lowered his voice.

“Natalie, just give me some time. I’ll handle it. I’ll talk to her.”

Even though I’d suspected, hearing it for real made my chest ache.

I gripped my water bottle, walked out, and went straight to HR.

When I said I was quitting, they didn’t try to stop me.

I was just a receptionist, easily replaced.

I’d wasted two years at that firm, just to chase after James, just to be close to him.

Now I didn’t care about any of it anymore.

Outside, the sun hit my face.

“Emily, why didn’t you wait for us?”

Natalie walked over to me in her heels and looped her arm through mine.

I looked down and saw the new YSL heels.

James had bought them on a business trip just last month.

He asked me, “Do you like them?”

I said yes.

He said Natalie would love them. She’d never owned a pair of designer shoes.

I pulled my arm back.

“My parents want me home for lunch, so you two go ahead.”

James’s face darkened.

“Natalie has been nothing but understanding. She’s reached out to you over and over, and this is how you treat her?”

Natalie didn’t say anything. She just stood there, her eyes glistening.

The same Natalie who could tear apart a witness on the stand, who handled everything with grace at the office, was suddenly speechless.

“I just don’t want to go to lunch with you. Is that a crime?”

His face twisted with impatience. “You’re obviously throwing a fit.”

I shot back, “You know that, so why ask?”

He scoffed. “You’re being unreasonable. You just need to create drama to feel important, don’t you?”

“You have no idea how tired I am every day.”

“Natalie said you were sweet and fun. But you’re just exhausting.”

Every word he said stung like a needle.

Natalie stepped between us. “Emily, just tell us what’s wrong, okay?”

“We’ve been friends for years. You can’t just throw that away.”

James snorted. “She’s always been like this. No matter what you say, she doesn’t get it.”

“Let’s go. You said you wanted that steakhouse.”

He walked away quickly. Natalie glanced at me, then followed.

Friendship?

They had it. We didn’t.

When I got home, my mom could tell something was wrong.

“What happened? Did you and James fight?”

I collapsed on the couch. “No.”

“I’m not sure what’s going on? Were you supposed to get engaged later this year?”

I buried my face in a pillow, my voice breaking.

“No engagement. I don’t want it anymore.”

“Mom, I never should have studied law.”

She pulled me close. “Your mood is off again. It’s okay. Even if you wanted to stay home forever, your dad and I could support you.”

“Natalie is so accomplished. You haven’t learned a thing from her.”

I flinched and let out a bitter laugh.

“Yeah. She really is.”