From “Clingy” to Gone My Independence Was His Biggest Regret novel Chapter 20

Chapter 2

Tears streaked her face while a group of society girls shoved her around, circling like sharks.

Sebastian’s hands clenched into fists, jaw locked tight, eyes glued to the second floor.

But he didn’t go up. Instead, he looked at me.

knew what he wanted. For me to bail Natalie out.

Not the first time.

latalie grew up dancing–knew how to move, how to act fragile, how to work men.

hey called her “Dark Rose” in our circles. Plenty of socialites already hated her for it.

nce, someone pushed her into a pool. Sebastian dove right in after her.

fter that, whenever she got in trouble, Sebastian handled it.

nd when he couldn’t show his face, he sent me.

ow that word was out about Hades Hawk marrying her, those rich girls had completely lost it.

me had even gotten boob jobs and lipo just trying to catch Hades‘ eye. All for nothing.

‘ou deaf? Strip! I wanna see what’s so damn special about your body that even Hades Hawk wants you.”

‘lease, sisters, don’t do this… so many people are watching…”

atalie shook her head, crying harder.

Drop the innocent act. You telling me Hades hasn’t seen you naked? How else would he know you’ve got a ‘great body?”

le gets to look, we don’t?”

o what’s it gonna be–you stripping yourself, or we doing it for you?”

ey backed Natalie into a corner with nowhere left to go.

at’s when Sebastian shoved me forward.

labe, go! Now!”

stumbled, nearly fell.

e didn’t even glance at me. Eyes locked on Natalie upstairs.

let out a bitter laugh and headed upstairs.

he second Natalie saw me, she ducked behind me, voice shaking. “Glanna… please, help me…”

glanced at the girls. “Stripping someone in public? You want that headline tomorrow?”

he ringleader, Sophie Vanderbilt, just smiled. “Come on, Miss Rivers. We’re curious, that’s all. But heads up–she’s not as sweet as she acts.”

Seriously, I saw Sebastian take her to a hotel last week. That doesn’t bother you?”

atalie shook her head frantically. “That’s not true! Gianna, don’t listen to them!”

As she spoke, she grabbed my arm and yanked me backward. Hard. I couldn’t shake her off.

“Bullshit! You just won’t admit it?”

“Yesterday I saw you two walk into-”

Before she could finish, Natalie suddenly screamed and threw herself backward over the railing

“Natalie!”

Sebastian shot forward and caught her. They both hit the ground hard.

“Natalie… talk to me! Are you okay?!”

She looked stunned for a few seconds, then slowly lifted her tear–streaked face toward me, “Gianna… why did you push me? You really believed them?”

Sebastian’s head snapped up, eyes cold as ice.

“What the hell, Gianna?! I sent you up there to help her, not push her off a damn balcony!”

I caught the smirk flash across Natalie’s face and suddenly understood why she’d been dragging me backward the whole time.

She jumped herself.”

Natalie’s eyes immediately filled with tears, head dropping. “No… I just lost my balance…”

the trembled, looking utterly fragile.

Sebastian pulled her tight against him.

I saw everything from down here! You pushed her! Don’t you dare lie to me!”

taring at the disgust in his eyes, something inside me just… gave up.

¡atalie’s whole act–nothing I said would change his mind.

If anything happens to her, I’ll never forgive you.”

hen he swept Natalie up in his arms and stormed out of the store, not caring who was watching.

ight before they disappeared through the door, Natalie glanced back at me over his shoulder.

aised one eyebrow. Smirked like she’d won.

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After that, we didn’t see each other until the wedding day.

We went through all the pre–ceremony stuff. Right before I got into the bridal car, he whispered, “No matter what happens, stay calm. Ill come for you

I said nothing.

The car wound through the entire city. When we hit the river bridge, it suddenly stopped.

Maybe ten minutes passed. Then we started moving again.

could feel it immediately–wrong route. We weren’t heading to the Hawk estate. We were going south. Toward Hades‘ place.

When the car rolled to a stop, my heart seized.

lades was Old Man Hawk’s bastard. Never acknowledged, never claimed. Grew up in the worst part of town.

ut he fought his way out with nothing but raw violence. Took over rival crews, made the entire underworld terrified of him. Earned himself the nickname

Hell’s Dealer.”

i met him a handful of times. Cold. Untouchable.

he door opened. Hades looked at me–not even a flicker of surprise. Just a slight smirk. “There you are. Hungry?”

You’re… not shocked it’s me?”

‘ou don’t look shocked either.”

amn. I’d been too on edge to fake it.

ades let out a low laugh. “Wanna go back? Run to Sebastian?”

shook my head hard.

Good. Then you’re mine now.”

e took my hand and walked me down the aisle. The setup was even more over–the–top than the Hawk estate, but way fewer people showed up.

ostly his crew. Guys who’d bled with him, killed with him.

ey congratulated me like they meant it. Called me “Mrs. Hawk” with actual respect. Nothing like Sebastian’s fake–ass friends.

the altar, Hades kissed me. I didn’t flinch. Let him take it deeper.

hat night, he came at me like something feral. Couldn’t get enough.

is breath was hot against my neck. I tried to pull away, gasping, but he just grabbed my ankle and dragged me back.

Il night. Didn’t matter how much I begged–he didn’t stop.

inally, as the sun started creeping through the windows, he stroked my back softly and let me drift off.

d barely fallen asleep when Sebastian’s voice tore through the house.

Married?! Are you fucking kidding me?!”

hen the door exploded inward with a crash.

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