Chapter 3

Before I left, Amelia got some of our old friends together for a farewell dinner.

To my surprise, I ran into Alex at the party. When he saw me, his eyes widened for a split second.

Emily, who was standing next to him, immediately grabbed his hand, lacing their fingers together. She shot me a challenging look, as if to say, "He's mine."

Back then, I might have gotten jealous and thrown a fit, not caring who was watching. But now, I glanced at them from afar and kept chatting and laughing with my friends.

I always thought moving on from a five-year relationship would be really tough.

But after a week living on my own, I realized I was changing. Now that I didn't have to worry about Alex's feelings, I felt lighter, almost like a new person.

With freedom in the air, it felt like I was starting over. Maybe this was for the best; we stayed out of each other's lives.

But Alex clearly didn't see it that way. He stormed over, clearly annoyed. "Why are you here, Sophie?"

Before I could even respond, he grabbed my hand. "You're coming home with me. Right now."

I looked at him calmly, and under his furious stare, I forced his fingers off me, one by one, and then stepped back to put some space between us.

But the truth was, I wasn't as calm as I looked. After all, I'd loved him for five years.

Emily, standing behind us, had jealousy practically written all over her face. She rushed over, putting on an aggrieved look as she clung to Alex's hand.

"Alex, is Sophie upset with you because of me? I'm really sorry, okay? I'll keep my distance from you from now on. Sophie, please don't be mad at Alex," she said, her voice soft and full of pretend innocence.

Her sugary-sweet act was so transparent that I couldn't help but size up the woman who'd managed to steal Alex's heart.

Honestly, Alex had pretty good taste. Emily was young, fresh-faced, and gorgeous, radiating that lively energy only girls her age had. She was the kind of girl who turned heads wherever she went; guys would be lining up for her.

Before I could say anything, Alex scoffed, "There's no need to apologize to her. You're not the one at fault."

I wasn't interested in their conversation at all.

From the start, whenever Emily and I had a disagreement, Alex would always choose her without hesitation. His feelings had changed long ago, and honestly, I'd gotten used to it.

Alex kept rambling on. "Look at Emily. She's younger than you, but way more mature. Move back in tonight. I've already forgiven you, and Emily doesn't blame you either. Stop making a fuss."

He always acted like he was above me, as if I was there to serve him.

"I'm not going back," I said, my voice steady.

There was nothing left in that house worth holding onto. I was about to leave this city anyway. There was no need to get caught up with someone who was history to me.

Besides, with me out of the picture, he could finally be with Emily out in the open. I thought that exactly was what he had been hoping for.

"Why? Because I took Emily on a trip?" Alex snapped, clearly annoyed. "I told you. That was a business trip. Sophie, get this straight. I'm your fiancé, not some dog you can keep on a leash."

"Sophie, please don't be upset," Emily said, looking all innocent. "I know this is all my fault. If you really want to keep fighting with Alex, I'll hand in my resignation tomorrow."

Alex gently took her hand, his face full of concern. "No way. I won't approve your resignation even if you try to leave. She's way too controlling. You don't need to make yourself suffer because of her."

I let out a sigh and turned to leave. That was Alex. He never thought he was wrong, and he'd never back down for me.

But it didn't matter anymore. I really didn't care.