Chapter 3

Sean's place was a cozy two-bedroom apartment, spotless and well-kept. The decor was simple, but it felt warm and inviting.

He led me to the guest room. "Why don't you rest for a bit? I'll get you some water," he said and then left the room.

There was a bed, a closet, and a desk in the room. On the desk were a few medical textbooks.

I sat down on the edge of the bed, and my phone started blowing up again. It was Lucas.

He kept calling from different numbers, one after another. I hung up on every call and blocked each number.

He started blowing up my phone with texts.

Lucas: [Lila, where are you?]

Lucas: [Pick up the phone.]

Lucas: [I know this is your doing. What do you want from me?]

Lucas: [Come back, let's sit down and talk.]

I stared at his texts, thinking how ridiculous he was. He actually believed he still had the right to set terms with me.

I blocked his number too.

Sean walked in, carrying a glass of water. "Here, have some water," he said as he offered me the glass.

I took it from him. "Thanks," I murmured.

"Try to get some sleep. If you need anything, let me know," he added. He didn't pry or linger. Instead, he quietly slipped out of the room.

I stretched out on the bed. For the first time in three years, I was finally sleeping somewhere that wasn't part of the Grant family. I actually felt at ease.

My phone ringing woke me up the next morning. It was an unknown local number.

I hesitated for a moment, but picked up anyway.

It was Lucas's mother, Helen Grant. Her voice, once so regal and composed, was now shaky with panic. "Lila, where are you? Please, come back.

"Richard had a brain hemorrhage last night. He's still in critical condition. The doctors are doing everything they can.

"And while Lucas was in a meeting, the conference room chandelier just came crashing down. He barely dodged it, but still ended up with a scrape on his arm.

"And out of nowhere, the fish tank at home cracked open, and all the fish we've been raising for three years died.

"Lila, we know we messed up. Please come back. Your engagement to Lucas still counts. As long as you come back, we can work everything out."

I listened to her, feeling nothing but calm. This was just the beginning.

"Helen, it was Lucas who said I wasn't good enough for the Grant family. He humiliated me in front of everyone just for Emily. Now that things are falling apart, suddenly you remember me?" I said, my tone calm and steady.

Helen went quiet for a few seconds before finally speaking, "We'll take care of Emily. Lila, please come back, okay?"

"No," I replied, flat and cold. "I'm done with the Grant family." With that, I hung up.

I got up, washed up, and walked out of the room.

Sean had already made breakfast.

"You're awake. Come eat," he said, smiling as he saw me. Sunlight poured in through the window, casting a warm glow over him.

"Thanks for last night," I said, settling in at the table.

"It was nothing," Sean replied, giving me a piece of bread. "So, what are you planning to do today?"

"First, I need to find a place to live," I said. "Then I'll look for a job."

For three years, everything I did was about Lucas. Now, I needed to figure out who I really was without him.

Sean nodded. "Want some help? I know my way around here."

"Yeah, that'd be really helpful. Thanks," I replied, deciding to take him up on his offer.