Chapter 4The Billionaire’s Runaway Heiress
About 1,974 characters (~370 words) — this is Chapter 4, the last of the 4 free chapters on EditWrx Reads.
We moved fast.
Mia was already living separately from Ethan, so she was easy to spirit away. I was the problem.
I spent weeks trying to find the right moment to end things with Caleb. Then, one night, he came home wasted.
When I opened the door, my heart stopped. Caleb was leaning heavily on a beautiful woman.
I recognized her from the tabloids—Caleb’s intended fiancée, Isabella Howe.
"Hi, you must be Skylar? Caleb’s a bit drunk, I brought him home."
She looked at me with a kind, composed smile. Unlike the "jealous fiancée" trope I expected, she seemed to know exactly who I was.
I forced a smile and helped her get him onto the sofa.
Isabella didn't leave. She looked around the penthouse and smiled. "Could I have a glass of water?"
I walked to the kitchen island in silence. Her casual voice drifted from the living room.
"I heard you’ve been taking care of Caleb while I was abroad. Thank you."
"I’ve seen your work. It's hard for a woman to make it in Hollywood without a legacy. Seraphina and I actually admire you."
"She mentioned she wanted to meet you at the family gala next month. Did Caleb tell you?"
The glass in my hand nearly slipped.
I turned to meet Isabella’s eyes. There was no mockery in them. No arrogance. Just the effortless confidence of a woman who actually belonged in Caleb’s world. A confidence I could never have.
The weight in my chest finally settled. I knew it was time.
That night, while Caleb was passed out, I packed. I left all the jewelry and luxury gifts behind. I only took a braided cord bracelet Caleb and I had bought from a street vendor once—a cheap thing for "good luck."
I thought about saying goodbye to his face, but maybe silence was better.
On the gray silk sheets, Caleb’s face was as breathtaking as the day I met him. He always thought he pursued me, but he never knew I fell for him at first sight.
I felt a wave of bitterness. I sent one last text: 【I’m gone. Don’t come looking for me. Goodbye.】
I blocked his number and walked out.