Cliff wiped his tears dramatically. "You're obviously a repeat offender. All those awards you've won—you stole them too, didn't you? We grew up together. I can't just stand by and watch you keep making mistakes!"
I couldn't make sense of his rapid-fire accusations.
When had I ever stolen anyone's work?
And as for Bonnie and me "growing up together"—
Our fathers' companies had collaborated a few times. We'd met maybe three or four occasions, the last one seven or eight years ago.
How did that qualify as growing up together?
The bullet comments calling me her "ex-boyfriend"? That was just kids playing house. Bonnie and I had never actually dated.
Yet she'd already pronounced me guilty.
"Withdraw from the competition quietly. Hold a press conference and return all the glory that doesn't belong to you." Her grip tightened. "Otherwise, don't force me to break off our engagement!"
She was surprisingly strong. She'd dragged me several steps before I could even think to resist.
I frowned. "Engagement?"
My parents had never mentioned any arranged marriage. They'd always supported me finding love on my own.
What was she talking about?
My genuine confusion must have looked like fear to her.