Chapter 3

Nadia glanced at the table and saw the dishes I had ordered. The smell of chili filled the air. She wrinkled her nose right away.

"Why did you order all this spicy food?" she asked. "Don't you know Brooke doesn't eat spicy things? And he's injured."

I did not respond, so she continued, her tone turning almost instructive, "Brooke can be a little picky, and sometimes, his temper isn't great. If he ever upsets you, just come to me. I'll talk to him for you."

I felt a wave of irritation rise in my chest. I could not stand the way she spoke, like she had some kind of claim over him.

"This is my house," I said, keeping my voice steady. "I can eat whatever I want. And what happens between Brooke and me has nothing to do with you."

Her expression changed immediately. Anger flashed across her face, and she pointed at me. "Who do you think you are? You're just his second choice. He's always loved me. How dare you talk to me like that?"

"I'm the one he was supposed to marry yesterday," I said.

She let out a sharp, angry laugh. "If I told him not to, do you really think he would still marry you? Luna, if you don't learn your place, he's going to throw you out sooner or later."

With that, she stormed off.

Only then did I notice Brooke. He was leaning against the stairs, arms crossed, watching everything with a cold, unreadable expression.

I looked away and sat down, picking up my fork as if nothing had happened.

"Why were you arguing with her?" he asked, his voice edged with annoyance. "She was just worried about me."

I looked up at him and forced a small smile. "Worried? More worried than your own fiancée?"

He avoided my gaze. "She almost got hurt at the wedding you planned. I only protected her because she was in danger. Can you stop being so jealous?"

Protecting the person he loved came naturally to him.

I had already lost, and I did not blame him for that.

But watching them act like they were "just friends" while everything between them said otherwise made my stomach turn.

Luckily, I would be gone soon. I wouldn't have to deal with any of this anymore.

*****

I packed up everything that belonged to me. I gave the valuable things to Kara, and the rest I either donated or threw away.

There was only one last thing left. I needed to give it back to Brooke so I could end everything cleanly.

I went to his office and waited for four hours while he finished his meetings.

When he finally walked in, he did not even glance at me.

"What is it this time?" he asked impatiently.

I took the ring I had once treasured so much out of my bag and placed it on his desk.

There was no excitement left in me now. All I felt was a strange sense of relief.

He frowned, confused. "What's this supposed to mean?"

"This ring doesn't fit me," I said calmly. "I don't want it anymore."

He let out a short laugh. "What are you throwing a tantrum for now?"

"I came to say goodbye," I said. "From now on, we won't see each other again."

He clearly did not believe a word I said. "Are you playing games again? Luna, just go home. I don't have time for this."

In his mind, I would never leave. I had always been the one chasing after him.

I stood up and met his eyes. "Whether you believe me or not, I'm done. I'm leaving for good."

Something in my expression must have convinced him, because his face changed. A hint of panic appeared as he reached out and grabbed my hand.

"Where are you going?" he demanded. "You said you'd always stay by my side. I'm telling you right now. You're not going anywhere without my permission."

I almost laughed. When I loved him, he never cared. Now that I was leaving, he acted like he could not let me go.

But I knew the truth. The moment Nadia showed up, he would choose her without hesitation.

"Brooke, I made your favorite soup!" Nadia's voice came from the doorway. Brooke let go of my hand instantly.

She stepped inside, and when she saw me, a flicker of discomfort crossed her face. It disappeared just as quickly. She turned to Brooke and smiled, her voice soft and sweet.

"It's my first time cooking," she said. "I spent all morning on this. Look, I even burned my finger."