Chapter 6: The Other Woman's Warning

“Harper.”

A figure appeared in front of me.

I looked up and saw Savannah Lin.

She was even prettier up close, all soft curls and big eyes. I felt a pang of resentment, but I tried to hide it.

I bristled and tried to leave, but she called out to me.

Her voice was gentle, almost apologetic. I paused, against my better judgment.

She fiddled with her hair, her wrist decked out in a stack of bracelets, and a pink diamond necklace hung at her throat.

The necklace caught the light—identical to the one Chase had given me. My stomach dropped.

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay calm.

My heartbeat slowed. “What do you want?”

I tried to keep my tone even, but I could hear the edge in my voice.

Savannah looked me up and down. “You’re really pretty. No wonder Chase hasn’t gotten over you yet.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

I couldn’t be bothered to play games. “If you have nothing else, I’m leaving.”

I turned, ready to walk away. I didn’t owe her anything.

As I turned, she said, “You probably don’t know yet, but I’ve moved into the Whitaker house.”

“Chase and I are getting engaged soon. His mom picked the date herself.”

“So, please stay away from him. You don’t want people calling you a homewrecker, right?”

The words were sweet, but the message was clear: stay away. I gritted my teeth, refusing to rise to the bait.

Scrolling comments appeared:

[The heroine is finally jealous and staking her claim.]

[Side character, hurry up and get lost. Don’t be a homewrecker!]

[They’re a perfect match, but the scheming side character keeps playing hard to get and seducing the hero. So annoying.]

[This is like watching Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl—can we just get to the real drama already?]

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

I counted to ten, willing myself not to snap. I wouldn’t give her—or the invisible audience—the satisfaction.

“Why would I want a man I already gave up?”

“You should keep an eye on your fiancé and tell him to stop bothering me.”

My words were calm. I made sure they landed. I turned and walked away. Didn’t look back.

But starting the next day, Chase began sending me flowers, food, and other gifts every day.

My porch looked like a florist’s shop. My phone buzzed with delivery notifications. He was relentless. It drove me crazy.

Even when I refused them, they always found their way to me through someone else.

My friends laughed, my neighbors gossiped. I wanted to scream.

Once, I threw a gift in the trash right in front of him. He just smiled. Indulgent.

He watched, amused, like I was a stubborn kid. It made me want to throw something else—preferably at his head.

“You look so cute when you’re angry.”

“If you don’t like it, I’ll bring something else tomorrow.”

His tone was teasing. But his eyes? Dead serious. He wasn’t giving up.

I was so furious, I slapped him hard across the face.

The sound echoed, sharp and satisfying. My hand stung, but I didn’t regret it.

“You already have a fiancée. Can you stop bothering me?”

I glared at him, daring him to argue.

He touched his cheek where I’d hit him, his eyes burning. “Your hand is so soft.”

He smiled, almost dreamy. I wanted to scream.

“Chase, are you a perv?”

I took a step back, crossing my arms. I was done with his games.

“If you don’t stop, I’m calling the cops!”

I pulled out my phone, ready to dial. He just laughed, unbothered.

I didn’t want to talk to him anymore. As I tried to leave, he grabbed my wrist.

His grip was gentle, but firm. I tried to pull away, but he wouldn’t let go.

“Harper, believe me. I won’t want anyone but you.”

His words were soft, honest. For a second, I almost believed him.

His honest gaze left me confused. Off balance.