Chapter 2

After my proposal got shot down, I holed up in my rented place for four days straight.

The curtains were pulled tight, the room was dark as night, the ashtray was overflowing with cigarette butts, and I hadn't had water or food.

My phone was dead silent, not a single text or call from Susan.

Of course, I knew where she was. Right now, she was probably glued to Simon's side, bringing him water, handing him medicine and fussing over him like he was the only thing that mattered.

Eight years of dating? She had long forgotten her 8-year boyfriend completely.

I scrolled through our eight years of messages. From the early days when we were all lovey-dovey, to the countless times she blew me off for Simon, and finally, to that cold moment when she abandoned me.

The more I read, the more bitter it felt.

I used to think that if I put up with everything, she'd eventually come back to me.

But now I get it. Some people's hearts are just never going to warm up.

She wasn't unaware of that. She just didn't care.

On the morning of the fifth day, the doorbell was ringing nonstop, like it was about to break.

I dragged my exhausted body to the door and opened it. There stood Lily Xavier.

Lily was my childhood friend. We'd known each other since we were running around in diapers. She knew all about my chase after Susan, knew when we got together, and knew every time Simon ruined my proposals.

All these years, she never interfered with our relationships. She only showed up when Susan hurt me the most, quietly bringing food and sitting with me in silence.

I wasn't blind to the way she looked at me, but back then, my heart was so full of Susan that I ignored the person standing right behind me.

When Lily saw me looking like hell, unshaven and haggard, her eyes went red, but she forced herself not to cry. She walked right in and yanked the curtains open.

Sunlight poured in, so blinding I couldn't even open my eyes.

"Lucas, do you really have to ruin yourself like this?" Lily's voice was restrained with concern. "Is it worth it, for someone who never had you in her heart?"

I leaned against the wall and gave a bitter laugh. "It has been eight years. I've given her all my youth."

"If you gave your youth to the wrong person, then cut your losses in time," Lily said, setting the thermos on the table and opening it. Inside was warm cereal and some light side dishes.

"She doesn't cherish you, but someone does. She doesn't want you, but I do." She said peacefully.

I abruptly looked up at her.

She met my eyes, unwavering and gentle. "I liked you since high school. When you were with Susan, I hope you're happy. But she keeps stomping all over you, and I can't watch it anymore. Lucas, stop being such an idiot."

A surge of sorrow twists my heart.

All these years, I'd been tiptoeing around Susan, trying so hard to please her. No one had ever chosen me so openly and decisively.

Lily would never ditch me for someone else when I proposed. She would never trample my sincerity underfoot, nor would she humiliate me in public time and again.

She was steady, gentle, and wise, always on my side.

I picked up the bowl and gulped down the cereal. The warmth slid into my stomach, but it couldn't melt the chill that had settled in my heart.

"Lily," I said, setting the bowl down, my voice rough. "I'm numb right now. I can't give you a grand romance."

"I don't want anything grand," she said softly, gently taking my hand. "I just wish you safe and sound, and I'll be right here with you."

In that moment, the last barrier around my heart finally broke down.

I didn't want to love anymore. I didn't want to wait around anymore, and didn't want to feel torn between hope and loss anymore.

I just wanted someone steady, someone I could count on and have a simple, peaceful life.

Three days later, I brought Lily home to my parents.

They'd known her forever and always liked her. Seeing us together, they were grinning ear to ear.

Without a fancy ceremony, just in a regular evening, I held Lily's hand downstairs in our neighborhood and said earnestly, "Lily, let's get engaged."

Her eyes sparkled, tears streaming down in an instant as she nodded firmly. "Yes."

I put a simple band on her finger. No diamonds, but it meant more to me than any diamond ring I'd ever bought for Susan.

In that moment, a sense of calm washed over me.

I thought that was it. Susan and I would never cross paths again.

But I never expected that when she found out, she'd go totally crazy.