Mr. Fake-Mute's Love Game Ended When I Stopped Playing the Fool novel Chapter 3

What Remained Unsaid Fore

Chapter 3

The landlord called. “Harper, rent’s going up everywhere. I’ve been cutting you slack because I felt bad for you, but the lease is up

tomorrow. So…”

I dumped the oatmeal into the trash. “I’m not renewing.”

Hung up. My phone screen lit up with a notification.

Flight tomorrow morning, 9 AM. To Charleston–the place I’d been dreaming about but could never afford.

My paycheck was coming. If I stopped paying for Zeke’s “treatments,” I’d have enough. More than enough.

5 PM. I left for work like always.

Changed into my uniform. My coworker frowned. “Harper, your boyfriend’s here.”

“Thought you said he never leaves the house? How’s he got so many friends?”

“And aren’t you two broke? How’s he affording a place like this?”

Her words stabbed into me, sharp and relentless. I couldn’t speak.

The manager called out: “Harper! Champagne to Suite 8888.”

I grabbed the tray like a lifeline and bolted. Didn’t hear my coworker yell after me: “Wait–your boyfriend’s in there!”

The door was cracked open. Inside, laughter and music.

A girl in a gorgeous gown and a tiara sat in the center–looked like a princess. Had to be Vivian.

And there was Zeke, eyes locked on her, singing “Happy Birthday” like she was the only person in the world.

Today was Vivian’s birthday too.

His voice–so soft. So tender.

If that man wasn’t Zeke, I might’ve thought it was sweet.

When he finished, someone clapped. “Bro, you’re insane. Vivian made you chase a waitress to test you–you did it. Made you bail on your wedding–you did it. Made you pretend to be mute and broke for five years–you did it.”

‘Now she’s back. Proof of true love, right? When’s the wedding?”

‘When are you dumping that girl?”

The deal was worse than I’d imagined. They’d played me like a toy.

I was the idiot who believed it for five years.

14:56

Chapter 3

He never loved me.

Zeke took a sip of his drink, hesitated. “No rush. She’s obsessed with me. Don’t want her doing something stupid.”

I wiped my tears, laughing quietly.

Used to be, Zeke.

Now? I hate you.

I knocked. Walked in.

The room went silent.

Someone tugged Zeke’s sleeve. He glanced over, saw me. His face went pale. Panicked.

kept my eyes down, set the champagne on the table. “Your drinks. Enjoy. Call if you need anything.”

Leke stepped in front of me. Our eyes met.

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