198
Shannon’s POV
Clayton held me close, noticing the tremble in my body. He could feel something was off and was just about to ask when Rusty suddenly appeared, storming up to us with fury in his eyes.
Without a word, he grabbed my wrist, trying to yank me out of Clayton’s arms.
Of course, Clayton wasn’t about to let that happen. But worried he might hurt me, he didn’t push back hard. He just reached out and locked his grip around Rusty’s arm.§
And just like that, the three of us were caught in such a tense standoff.”
Rusty’s fingers squeezed so tightly that my knuckles turned white. His voice shook with restrained anger as he demanded, “Shannon, who is he? What right does he have to stop me from taking you with me?“>
Clayton didn’t flinch. He stepped between us and stared Rusty down. His voice was calm but firm as he countered, “I’m her boyfriend. Of course, I have the right to keep her safe. And unless the law’s changed overnight, I don’t think there’s any rule in this country that gives an ex–husband the power to control his ex–wife.“}
Rusty immediately turned to me, searching my face for some sort of denial. But as I said nothing, his heart sank.}
Even now, he still wanted to believe I was just mad at him, that I was only throwing a tantrum, and I’d come back eventually. Because in his mind, I, who once loved him so much, would always give in, again and again.”
He probably believed Clayton seduced me, that was why I wouldn’t come back with him.
With that delusion fueling him, Rusty suddenly grabbed Clayton by the collar. His arm tensed with rage, veins bulging, and before anyone could react, he punched Clayton hard across the face.
The blow hit just above Clayton’s eye, bruising fast. But instead of hitting back right away, he instinctively pushed me aside to keep me safe. Only then did he retaliate.
They went at it, punches landing with full force, neither of them holding back. Like they wanted to beat the life out of each other. Then, I saw Clayton pick up a stone from the side of the path.
My stomach dropped.}
I screamed and lunged forward, barely managing to grab his arm and stop him from swinging it.§
Just then, Rusty’s face lit up with triumph, a smug grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. Like he was silently saying, “See? She still cares about me. She can’t stand to see me get hurt.”
Sadly, Clayton seemed to believe it, too. His eyes lowered, lips sealed, tasting the bitterness of blood and something far worse.§ But I didn’t notice it. All I could focus on was calming him
“Clayton,” I said, my voice trembling, “don’t do this. He’s not worth it. Don’t throw your life away for someone like him.”
And those sentences changed everything.
Both men’s laces shifted dramatically, like they’d just been
slapped
Just then, staff from the venue came rushing over and took all three
into a security room.
Lanc
Once inside, I immediately asked for a first aid kit. But the moment I saw the blood on Clayton’s lips and the bruises covering his body, I felt like something had lodged in my throat, and I couldn’t speak.
I sprayed antiseptic and carefully cleaned his wounds. My hands were shaking, even though I tried to stay calm.
When I was done, I cupped his face in my palms, looked into his eyes, and spoke slowly but firmly.”
“Claytor, I’m hungry. Can you go out and grab me something to eat? Just wait for me at the door, okay?”
“Trust me. I can handle this,” I added.
He didn’t say a word. I knew he didn’t want to leave me alone with Rusty. But when he gently patted my head, and walked out without another word.
The moment he was gone, I turned to face Rusty.
My eyes were cold and empty.
Saw the certainty look in my eyes, he finally stood,
He grew visibly uneasy. He reached out, showing me his bruises like a child asking for sympathy.
“Shannon, I got hurt, too. Don’t you care? Even if you’re mad, don’t use another man just to get back at me. I get jealous, you know.”
He paused, then lowered his voice, as if trying to sound sincere.}]
“I know you’re still upset about the baby. But let’s try again. We can have another one. I swear, this time I’ll be a good husband and father.“& I couldn’t help but burst out laughing upon listening to him.
Even now, Rusty was still delusional.
He really thought that if he played the victim, I’d just come running back.
To him, I was that cheap.
