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Maybe that’s all I was to him.
A conquest, a distraction for one night.
And now he’s bored.
My chest tightens painfully. Anger flickers, replacing the hurt, like a small flame catching hold of dry tinder.
How could I have been so stupid? He’s a CEO—rich, powerful, gorgeous. He probably does this all the time, seduces some naive girl, and then moves on without a backward glance.
The more I think about it, the angrier I get.
My phone buzzes suddenly, jolting me out of my spiraling thoughts.
I reach for it eagerly, despite myself, my heart stupidly hopeful.
It’s just Ryan again, a quick follow-up text.
Ryan: Hey, sorry if that conversation got weird. Hope I didn’t freak you out.
I sigh deeply. At least Ryan cares enough to check in, to apologize.
Before I can overthink it, my fingers move quickly across the screen.
Me: You didn’t freak me out. And yes, Friday night sounds good.
He replies almost instantly.
Ryan: Great! I’ll pick you up at seven. You won’t regret it, I promise.
I manage a small smile, sliding my phone away. A part of me already regrets it, knows this is probably unfair to Ryan.
But if Damien’s moved on so quickly, maybe I need to prove I can do the same.
I barely know Damien, yet he’s under my skin, in a way that’s frustratingly permanent.
But I deserve better than being tossed aside like a used plaything.
My phone stays silent for the rest of the day, taunting me. By evening, the frustration and humiliation solidify into cold determination. I lie on my bed, staring at Damien’s short, impersonal text again.
Hope you’re okay. Oleg said you got home safe.
God, it feels insulting now. He couldn’t even bother to follow up personally—he relied on Oleg. Anger twists sharply in my chest, overriding any lingering guilt or hesitation.
Before I can second-guess myself, I tap on his contact, thumb hovering for just a second.
Block number.
My heart pounds uncomfortably in my chest as the screen flashes confirmation.
Unknown number has been blocked.
It feels strangely final, a wall erected between us.
My heart clenches painfully, but I push the feeling aside.
I won’t be his convenient little distraction.
I deserve better.