Nicholas could only stand by and watch as things played out. He’d already seen through Gabriel’s feelings for Quinn the last time
they’d seen each other, so he wasn’t surprised by this.
What surprised him was that Quinn hadn’t evaded Gabriel. She’d allowed him to hold and kiss her. His mind went blank. He
couldn’t believe what had just happened.
“Stay away from her! You don’t deserve to touch her!” he snapped. He charged at Gabriel with a raised fist, wanting to hit him.
Gabriel grabbed his arm with one hand while holding Quinn with the other. “What right do you have to stick your nose in my business with Quinn? Who do you think you are?”
He flung Nicholas aside. The latter stumbled and fell to the ground, scratching his palm in the process. Nicholas looked at Quinn,
his eyes turning red with grievance as he held up his palm. “It hurts, Quinn.”
Whenever he’d gotten injured in the past, she would gently tend to his wounds.
“You deserve it. Drop the pitiful act!” Gabriel stood before Quinn, afraid she would once again be enchanted by Nicholas‘ act.
Quinn smiled helplessly when she saw how defensive Gabriel was. She suddenly realized that she seemed to be happiest when she
was with him. Perhaps they really could do well as a fake couple.
Their affection stabbed at Nicholas‘ heart. He glared at Gabriel. “What right do you have to speak on Quinn’s behalf? You two would’ve long since gotten together if she had feelings for you! She was willing to give up everything for me, including you!”
He turned to Quinn. “I know I made a mistake, Quinn. I shouldn’t have done those things to hurt you. I know you’re only using him to get back at me, right?”
He got to his feet and staggered toward Quinn, reaching for her sleeve. She pushed him away coldly and put distance between
them. “I’ve already told you everything I should, Nicholas. Why won’t you leave me alone?
“This is my last time telling you this–we’re over, and I’m marrying Gabe soon. You can stay to attend our wedding if you don’t believe me.”
She held Gabriel’s hand and left as Nicholas watched them, his heart twisting painfully. He cried, “Don’t be with him, Quinn! We’re the ones who should be getting married!”
He fell weakly to his knees as pain washed over him, enveloping him.
