When Love Is a Lie (Whitney and Damian) novel Chapter 44

Throw it away?

This was a gown from Corlons Boutique. As far as she knew, even the cheapest gown there cost five figures.

And the one she held in her hands—judging by the craftsmanship and quality—was likely custom-made, possibly even one of their signature pieces.

Whitney looked up in surprise.

Noel's expression remained impassive, his entire demeanor radiating cold indifference. "Anything I give away, I don't take back. If it's not to your taste, then throw it out."

Not to her taste? That wasn't it at all.

Whitney tried again. "I'm saying it's too expensive, not that I don't—"

"It's all the same," Noel interrupted.

Whitney was speechless.

How could that be the same thing?

Before she could respond, he asked again, "You're moving out?"

She followed his gaze and noticed he was looking at something behind her.

Turning, she saw her packed suitcase by the half-open door, where she had left it for convenience when she left in the morning. She hadn't expected Noel to notice it.

"Yes," she replied. "I'm moving back to his place tomorrow morning."

"It's about time, after all this back-and-forth."

The sarcasm in his voice was unmistakable, and it made her uncomfortable.

She lifted her chin slightly. "Yes. That way, we won't have to see each other every day and keep getting on each other's nerves."

With that, she turned and stepped back inside.

Only after closing the door did she realize she was still holding the gift box.

She glanced at the trash can nearby and, without a second thought, tossed it in.

She started to walk back to her bedroom, but after a few steps, she stopped. Turning back, she retrieved the box from the trash can. "I'm not about to waste something so valuable," she muttered.

…

The next morning, Whitney dragged her suitcase out the door.

She glanced briefly at the closed door across the hall, then headed for the elevator. After loading her luggage into the trunk, she pulled out her phone to call Damian. She needed to confirm that he would drop the lawsuit as soon as she moved back in.

Just as she was about to dial, her screen lit up. An unfamiliar number was calling.