Chapter 3

This time, I had a do-over. No way was I jumping back into that hellhole.

I pulled my hand free, giving her a tight smile. "It's not a little spat, Mrs. Taylor. Jonathan and I? We're not right for each other."

Jonathan stood behind her, face dark as a storm cloud.

He never thought I'd stand my ground, not me, the girl who always did what he wanted.

He stepped forward, voice low and pissed. "Isabella, last chance. You marrying me or not?"

I locked eyes with him. "No way."

He was shaking with rage, pointing at me, words stuck in his throat.

Finally, he growled, "Fine! Don't come crying to me when you regret this!"

He stormed out with his mom, the door slamming loud enough to wake the neighborhood.

Mom nearly passed out from the drama, calling me an "ungrateful brat" and "out of my mind."

Dad pulled me aside, voice soft. "Isabella, level with me. What's going on?"

I looked at him, his gray hair hitting me like a ton of bricks.

In my old life, my parents burned through their savings for my wedding, went into debt, and worried themselves sick when my life fell apart.

They didn't last long after that.

Before he died, Dad held my hand and said, "Isabella, if you're not happy, come home."

But I was too stubborn, lying through my teeth that everything was fine.

Not this time. I wasn't letting them carry my burdens again.

"Dad, I've figured it out," I said. "I don't wanna be stuck in this town, living for a husband and kids.

"I wanna see what's out there."

He nodded, eyes warm. "Alright, kiddo.

"You chase your dreams. I've got your back."

Mom wasn't thrilled, but with Dad on my side, she backed off.

I reached out to my old teacher, dug out my textbooks, and threw myself into studying.

The town gossiped, of course.

Ditching a catch like Jonathan for some college dream? They thought I'd lost my marbles.

Jonathan didn't come around either.

Word was, he was getting real cozy with Laura.

People saw them catching movies, hitting up the mall.

I didn't expect to run into them.

At the department store, I was clutching my study guides, dying to get home and cram.

Then I turned the corner and froze.

There was Jonathan, looking sharp in a khaki trench coat, standing by the scarf display.

Laura, in a bright yellow dress, was practically glued to his side, the two of them looking like a couple straight out of a sappy rom-com.

I glanced their way, ready to keep walking, when Laura called out.

"Isabella? Oh my gosh, what're you doing here?" She blinked at me, all wide-eyed and innocent, clutching Jonathan's sleeve like a scared little bunny. "It's not what it looks like.

"Jonathan's just helping me pick out a scarf."

I raised an eyebrow.

Did I say anything? Why was she acting like I caught them red-handed?

Jonathan smirked, smug as hell. "Isabella, you're the one who called off our engagement, and now you're creeping around, spying on me and Laura?"

He huffed, voice loud enough for the whole store to hear. "For the record, we're just friends. Nothing shady going on.

"But if you apologize right now, I might forgive your little stunt."

Laura jumped in, all flustered.