Chapter 2

For a split second, Clint's gaze seemed to return to how it was in the past.

A muffled phone call drifted from the bedroom, and I couldn't help but walk over.

"Yeah, a fanciful royal-type wedding. It's confirmed," Clint said.

"Huh? I thought Jillian preferred a something more traditional," the other person replied.

"Who said I'm marrying her?" Clint snapped. His voice dripped with sarcasm.

"But Clint, you had me put Jillian on the wedding list. Isn't she supposed to be the bride?" the other person asked.

"She's going, but she's not the bride," Clint said coldly. "Flora's been living in the shadow of Jillian's bullying for years.

"On the most important day of her life, it's time Jillian gets a taste of what it's like to be bullied, don't you think?"

"Man, Clint, the way you dote on Flora makes us all jealous. But if you like her so much, why haven't you made a move?" the other guy teased.

"I'm still dating Jillian right now. If I make a move on Flora, it'll hurt her reputation," Clint replied.

My nails dug into my palm, and my chest throbbed with a dull, aching pain.

Ten years ago, Flora and her gang burned the word "slut" into my chest. Now, that old scar was starting to ache all over again.

I stepped into the bathroom, splashed cold water on my face, and tried my best to steady myself.

Leaving was inevitable, but before I walked out, there was something I had to take care of.

My phone buzzed.

It was a notification for a racing event.

When I saw the prize, I stopped in my tracks, then immediately called the organizer.

"Hello, I'd like to sign up for the Extreme Racing Championship in two weeks," I said.

"Wow, Miss Griggs! Is it really you? I can't believe you're joining our race. Mind sharing what brought you here?" the organizer asked, clearly surprised.

I took a deep breath. "Your prize caught my eye. And besides, this will be my final race."

*****

The organizers hyped up the racing world's golden girl's last showdown.

I stood at the starting line, double-checking my gear one last time.

The prize sat on the podium. It was a dazzling sapphire necklace, sparkling under the lights.

No one else seemed to realize it, but I recognized it instantly.

This was the very necklace that got auctioned off when my parents died and the Griggs family lost everything.

I was grateful.

This final race wasn't just the perfect ending to my career. It was also my chance to take back my mother's necklace.

"That necklace is so pretty. I really wish I could have it." Flora's voice echoed through the air.

I turned around in surprise and saw Flora dressed in a racing suit, holding onto Clint's arm and pouting.

"But why does my opponent have to be Jillian," she whined.

Clint couldn't help but smile at her playful act.

He gave me a faint glance and said with a smile, "Don't worry. I've trained you for so long. She doesn't stand a chance against you."

I scoffed and strapped on my helmet.

Sliding into the driver's seat, I drew in a deep breath.

The instant the starting gun went off, I floored the accelerator.

The world outside blurred past, and memories of my parents, and Clint, who once dragged me back from the brink, flashed through my mind.

His words echoed in my head. "She doesn't stand a chance against you."

My car shot across the finish line, and the crowd exploded with cheers.

"Jillian broke the record."

"She's the world record holder. She just shattered her own record."

"Jillian's a total queen!"

My rivals all came up to hug me and offer their congratulations.

Only Flora stepped out of her car, her face ghostly pale, biting her lip, eyes rimmed with tears.

All my grievances vanished.

I succeeded.

This was my final race.

My racing journey started with Clint, and now it finished with him.

There was no complaints, no regrets. My racing career was everything I hoped for.

I even reclaimed my mother's keepsake.

The staff brought the necklace out on a tray and personally fastened it around my neck.

The host said, "I declare the winner of this race is..."

"Hold on," a deep voice interrupted.

Clint stood up in the VIP box, holding the mic. "You guys let people challenge the champion, right?"

I spun around, startled.

The host looked confused. "Uh... sure, but..."

"I challenge her," Clint said.

This race was hosted by a small organization.

To attract a crowd, they made up a rule where anyone in the audience could challenge the champion.

But it was just a gimmick. No one ever actually went for it.

Today, Clint was the first to take the challenge.

"Wait, is that Clint? He looks just like him!" someone shouted.

"Oh my god, it's really Clint! Didn't he train Jillian? She's his protégé!" another person exclaimed.

"I thought he was just a myth in the racing world. I can't believe he's real!" someone else blurted out.

The organizers never imagined they'd have two big shots at the same race. They approved the challenge right away.

The staff took the necklace away.