Dodged a Bullet

News of the canceled engagement and broken business partnership reached Heath all at once.

He thought it was just a joke, a childish stunt.

I was absentmindedly flipping through a childhood photo album that the maid had dug out for me when his call came through.

The moment I answered, the sound of wind rustling and a girl's laughter filled my ear.

"Julia, I know you've been sick and feeling down these past few days." Heath's voice was warm, almost apologetic. "But you can't just joke around like this. Your dad's company is in financial trouble. Without the Grants' help, you wouldn't have been able to maintain your family's status. I've been busy with preparations for our wedding, but once that's done, I'll come to see you."

Heath continued speaking as if everything was fine, pausing only to wait for a response, but he never hung up the phone.

Then, I heard Winona's voice, as clear as day, coming through the speaker.

"Heath! Let's go one more round. This time I'll beat you for sure!"

It was almost like she was taunting me. Heath quickly ended the call, and the sound of the busy signal echoed in my ear. I couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh.

If I had heard this lie three days ago, I might have believed it.

But now, who would believe it? Heath was busy with the wedding? No, he was busy riding bikes with Winona.

After my mocking thoughts, I received a message from a friend about our school's annual reunion. She asked if I was going.

I considered avoiding Heath, but then thought—why should I? I hadn't done anything wrong. I wasn't the one hiding anything. Plus, if Heath was busy with Winona, there was no guarantee he'd even show up. Why should I shrink away just because of their little drama?

By the time I arrived at the reunion, Heath barged in unexpectedly, holding a motorcycle helmet.

And beside him was Winona.

"Winona's here to join us!"

"Hey everyone! I'm Winona, Heath's high school classmate. I heard about the reunion and thought I'd come check it out. Don't mind me!"

Winona had her hair tied up in a high ponytail, and her figure was accentuated by tight leather pants and a short vest. She looked confident and radiant, her smile as bright and bold as ever.

Heath didn't even notice me sitting in the corner, chatting with Naomi Walker. He pulled Winona right to his side, his long arm wrapping possessively around her waist, claiming his space.

The others in the room were clearly uncomfortable. No one knew what to do or how to react.

"Uhm, Heath, weren't you busy with wedding preparations? What are you doing here?"

"The invitations are mostly handled by Julia. Winona's never been to something like this, so I'm just showing her around. Don't mind us."

Naomi, who overheard their conversation, ignored me as I tugged at her sleeve. She slammed the bottle down onto the table, making a loud clink.

"Heath, you've really outdone yourself! Julia's been bedridden with a fever, and you're out here riding bikes and attending events with Winona? Everyone knows Winona's your ex-girlfriend. Just because Julia loves you, you think you can flaunt your affair in front of everyone?"

Naomi stood up, and all eyes in the room turned to her. Heath and Winona quickly realized I was sitting next to Naomi.

Heath's gaze froze for a moment as it landed on me. "Aren't you still sick? Why would you come to a place like this? Let Naomi take you home." It almost sounded like an order.

I smiled softly, the sarcastic edge sharp in my voice. We were at a bar, and I was perfectly fine to come here on my own.

If he could bring Winona here, why couldn't I come?

I looked around before focusing on him. "Aren't you busy with wedding preparations? Are you here… for some sort of inspiration?"

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, the question hanging between us. Heath furrowed his brow slightly but didn't answer.