Chapter 2

I kept my word. I did everything to stay away from Nathan.

Except for the times we had to share a classroom.

If he were in any club or activity, I just didn't show up.

Soon enough, everyone in our class could see I was doing my best to steer clear of Nathan.

In English class, Chloe shielded her face with her textbook and whispered, "It's Lucas's birthday today. He invited us to his party after school. Are you going?"

Chloe knew I wasn't keen on being anywhere Nathan was lately, so she made sure to ask me in advance.

"Nah, I'm not going. You guys have fun without me," I replied.

I didn't even look up from my vocabulary book. "Just wish him a happy birthday for me."

But I ended up going anyway.

Because a friend told me Chloe got into an argument with Sophia because of me.

She was being bullied.

I couldn't let that slide.

When I got to the party, Nathan and Lucas were both taking Sophia's side, leaving Chloe all alone.

Tears were welling up in her eyes.

But she stood her ground, saying, "Apologize. You owe Emily an apology."

Chloe was always super chill and hardly ever got pushy with anyone.

On my way over, I'd already heard what went down.

When they were cutting the cake, Sophia somehow started talking about me, implying I was shameless for always chasing Nathan, that a girl should have dignity.

Then she just got more and more ridiculous, practically implying I was selling myself.

Chloe was so mad that she almost threw hands with her.

But I don't have that kind of patience.

I glanced around at everyone. "Quite the party, huh?"

I put on my best smile and said, "Lucas, happy birthday. Please allow me to..."

The next second, with everyone staring in shock, I smashed the bottle on the floor, just a couple of feet from Sophia.

"Pop open a bottle to add to the fun," I said, my voice steady but my eyes blazing.

Maybe it was the rage pouring off me, but for a moment, nobody dared to make a sound.

I stared at Sophia seriously and said calmly, "Sophia, you're such a bitch."

And I wasn't just talking about her now. This went for the Sophia from my previous life, too.

Sophia from my previous life knew exactly how to make my life miserable.

Every holiday, big or small, she'd always arrange to meet up with Nathan alone.

By then, she was already a top celebrity in the entertainment industry.

After blowing up on several smash-hit variety shows, she stirred up massive online drama, claiming that I'd torn apart her and Nathan's relationship and inserted myself between them.

Her fans were constantly cyberbullying me day and night, all because of her.

Back then, her craziest fans stalked me, followed me everywhere, and flooded my inbox with cursed letters every single day.

It almost drove me to a nervous breakdown.

I told Nathan everything that was happening.

But he just wouldn't buy it.

He refused to believe his perfect girl could be so manipulative.

I stepped closer to Sophia. "You really think Nathan's protection means I won't touch you?" I said, my voice low and dangerous.

Sophia's eyes flashed with panic and fear.

But she forced herself to look calm, acting like she was standing up for Nathan.

"Am I wrong?" she shot back.

"Emily, you're always chasing after Nathan, doing whatever you want. Did it ever cross your mind how sick of it he gets?"

That sounded all too familiar.

I was stunned for a second.

After I married Nathan, I lost count of how many times he hit me with those cold lines.

"Emily, you're so annoying."

"Emily, can you just leave me alone?"

"Don't you have anything better to do?"

Just as the tension was about to explode, Nathan stepped in.

"Emily," Nathan said, his voice softer than I'd ever heard, "I'll make her apologize. Okay?"

That day, Nathan, who was always so proud, actually lowered himself in front of everyone, all for Sophia.

He was asking me to let it go.

Honestly, it was kind of annoying.

I didn't owe Sophia a thing, but I really did owe Nathan.

He even stooped to offer me a deal. "Just let her off. I'll take you anywhere you want for winter break. Deal?"

I nearly laughed out loud.

I never expected Nathan to actually try to trade this with me.

Back then, every winter and summer break, I used to drag Nathan out traveling.

He always refused to go.

I had to beg him again and again, every single time.

He'd only agree to spend a few days with me after I wore him down with endless pleading.

"No need," I said, my voice cold.

Nathan, we would never travel together again.

Under the dim lights in the room, I brushed off Nathan's hand without a second thought, my face stone cold.

"I'd rather use this chance to make sure we never cross paths again," I said, my voice icy.

Nathan stayed indifferent, but Lucas, next to him, was so shocked his jaw nearly hit the floor.

I knew exactly why Nathan dared to act with such reckless confidence.

We'd fought a million times since we were kids.

I threw fits and talked tough, but every single time, I was the one who always caved first.

So he knew me inside out. He was absolutely sure I'd never really leave him.

What he never saw coming was that this time, I was serious.

I let out a cold laugh.

Suddenly, I wondered what he'd do when he found out I was transferring to the International Division.

If he realized the girl who'd been trailing after him for over ten years was finally done with him.

What kind of look would he have on his face then?

Honestly, I couldn't wait to see it.