Chapter 3

"Emelia." Andrew's face went pale, and he dashed over in a heartbeat.

He scooped Emelia up and yelled at me, "Olivia, Emelia's a patient. She's all banged up, with broken bones and everything. How could you push her? I know you're pissed, but come at me, not her. She's hurt."

Emelia's eyes were red and streaming with tears. "I got in a car accident and almost died. I've been through hell, and you've been my best friend since forever, Andrew.

"All I wanted was for you to stay with me. Is that such a crime? Did I mess up that badly?

"Why does she have to twist our friendship into something ugly? And now she's here to hurt me. Is she trying to kill me or what?"

I glanced down at the marks she'd left on my hand, and then looked up to see Andrew hovering over Emelia like she was the one he was supposed to marry.

It felt like someone jammed a knife straight into my heart, but I still managed a smile.

Because this time, I was truly, completely over him.

The man I'd loved for years was so obviously choosing someone else over me. I'd only ever heard rumors before, but now I'd seen it with my own eyes. I had nothing left to hang on to.

I didn't say a word. I just turned and walked away.

Andrew was totally thrown by how chill I was. He rushed after me and grabbed my arm. "Sorry, I wasn't trying to be harsh. Emelia's really emotional right now.

"Just wait for me at the door, okay? I'll help her settle down and then take you home."

I shook off his hand and walked straight out.

It was snowing outside, and very cold, and I couldn't get a ride. I waited, stubbornly hoping Andrew would show up and take me home.

But instead, his friend, Michael Grant, rushed over. "Olivia, sorry, but Emelia just tried to cut her wrists.

"Andrew's busy trying to calm her down, and it looks like he won't be able to leave anytime soon. He asked me to take you home, if that's okay."

Michael let out a long sigh. "Olivia, Andrew really loves you, you know. It's just that Emelia grew up with him, and he's always been the kind of guy who cares too much about people.

"Don't be mad at him, and don't get the wrong idea about him and Emelia. Seriously, there's nothing between them. I promise."

Hearing that, I didn't feel a thing. It was almost funny to me. "It doesn't matter anymore," I said. "Just give me the keys. I'll get home on my own. And do me a favor. Let Andrew know it's over."

Michael looked absolutely shocked as I grabbed his keys and headed home.

On the way home, I got a call from James. He'd just landed and asked when I'd be back, if I was wearing a coat since it was snowing, and reminded me to keep warm. All those little, trivial concerns.

After I got a bit impatient, he finally went quiet. Then he asked, "I'm coming over tomorrow to propose. I just want to make sure. Do you really want a new groom? Was it just a spur-of-the-moment thing, or do you regret it now?"

I didn't expect him to still care about this. I answered, seriously, "I don't regret it."

Sounded like he was smiling on the other end. "Alright, see you tomorrow."

After hanging up, I called my boss. The company agreed to let me leave early.

I let out a sigh of relief, grabbed my luggage, and headed home.

To my surprise, I ran into Andrew, who'd just come rushing back.

He stormed over, furious. "Olivia, what the hell was that? Why did you say all that to Michael? Are you dumping me just because of a sperm? Isn't that ridiculous? We're about to get married!"

I ignored his rage, picked up my luggage, and walked straight toward the door.

He yanked my arm. "Once Emelia has the baby, I'll be done with her for good. I already made it clear to her at the hospital. I've compromised so much for you. I even threw away a friend I grew up with. Isn't that enough?"

I stared him down, calm and collected. "I'm telling you we are over, not discussing it with you. Let go."

Andrew was fuming. He sucked in a harsh breath, trying to keep it together. "Olivia, I know you're jealous, and I know you're using this breakup to mess with me.

"Our wedding's right around the corner, and you know how much it means to both of us. If you bail now, your parents will be laughing stocks, and you'll look bad too, you get that?

"And let me make this clear. If you walk out today, I'm not showing up at the wedding. Don't come crying to me when your family's reputation goes down the drain. It's got nothing to do with me, after all."

I shoved his hand off and strode out without looking back.

Me? Regret this? No way.

His big day was off, but mine? Still on, just as planned.

I got back to Juanarby, dragging my suitcase, and my parents rushed over, grilling me nonstop about why I called it quits with Andrew.

I spilled the whole story about how Emelia asked Andrew to help her have a baby.

My mom just broke down crying and hugged me tightly. My dad stayed silent for a bit, and then finally said, "Lucky you didn't go through with the wedding."

I managed a weak smile, but I couldn't hold back the tears.

I cried for the me who once ran after love, and for the love that never got its happy ending.

Andrew's friends kept blowing up my phone, asking when the wedding was happening.

Turned out, Andrew never told anyone we'd split.

I just let everyone know the wedding was canceled, so nobody would be holding out for it.

I went for a bridal makeup trial at a salon near my place. When I got back to my building, I saw two familiar figures standing outside.

It was Andrew and Emelia.