Chapter 3

I just threw up a post about my engagement to Lily on my social media, with a picture of us holding hands, both wearing rings.

I didn't block anyone, didn't aim it at anyone. I just wanted everyone to know, I'm starting over.

Less than an hour after I posted it, Susan started blowing up my phone. I just blocked her.

She kept calling from different numbers, so I just turned my phone off.

That evening, Lily and I went to the supermarket for groceries. Right as we walked out, Susan was just standing there by the curb.

Her face was ghostly pale, her eyes red and swollen, and her hair was all tangled. She looked nothing like the proud, put-together girl she used to be, more like a stray cat nobody wanted anymore.

When she saw Lily and me holding hands, and the ring on Lily's finger, Susan froze in place, like she'd just been struck by lightning.

"Lucas," Susan yelled, rushing over and shoving Lily out of the way. She clamped onto my arm, her grip so tight it felt like her nails were digging right into my flesh. "You're engaged? To her? You really got engaged to her?"

I brushed her off with icy indifference and reached out to steady Lily. "Yes. It has nothing to do with you."

"Nothing to do with me?" Susan laughed hysterically, her tears falling uncontrollably. "We were together for eight years! You've asked me to marry you ninety-nine times! You swore you'd only ever marry me in this lifetime! How could you get engaged to someone else?"

"The ninety-ninth time you ditched me to look after Simon, that was the end for us," I said, my voice cold as ice. "Susan, you pushed me away yourself, so don't blame someone else who values me."

"I just..." Susan choked up, her voice breaking into sobs. "I know I messed up. I swear I won't ever go to Simon again. Please forgive me, okay? Let's go back to how things used to be. I'll marry you, I promise."

Honestly, it was ridiculous.

When I poured my heart out to her, she just brushed me off.

Now that I've let go and walked away, she's crying, asking me to turn back.

"It's too late," I said, taking Lily's hand and walking away without looking back.

Susan dragged herself back to the spot she and Simon always hung out, looking totally out of it.

Simon was slumped on the couch, still playing the weak and innocent act. He gave a soft cough and waved her over. "Lily, I'm thirsty."

Back then, Susan would've rushed over, held the water up to his lips, and touched his forehead with concern, terrified he might feel even a little uncomfortable.

But now, every time Susan looked at Simon's pretty but sickly face, she felt sick to her stomach, utterly disgusted.

She finally realized everything, albeit belatedly.

All these years, right when I was about to propose, Simon would always manage to have some "incident" happen.

He'd get sick, get hurt, or have some emotional meltdown, always right on cue to derail us.

Seriously, how could it always be a coincidence?

He was totally doing it on purpose, keeping her hooked, making sure she never ended up with me, just so he could soak up all her love and attention without giving anything back.

He wasn't some frail guy, but was selfish.

He wasn't fragile, but was greedy.

He didn't need her. He just couldn't let go of his free maid and emotional crutch.

And her? She treated that selfish jerk like he was her shining moon and faith, ditching me again and again for him, even though I was the one who loved her for eight years and waited for her all that time.

For eight years, I stayed up all night taking care of her when she was sick, did everything I could to cheer her up when she was down, and tried my best to give her whatever she wanted.

Simon only knew how to take, play the victim, and drag her down with him.

Put us side by side, and the difference couldn't be clearer.

Regret washed over her like a tidal wave, leaving her trembling, her chest so tight she could hardly catch her breath.

She finally understood. She'd let the one who loved her most in this world slip away just because of an absolute fraud.

"Susan, what are you daydreaming about?" Simon frowned, sounding like he expected her to jump at his every word. "Go make me some cereal. I'm hungry."

Susan stared at him, her stomach twisting with nausea.

Over a decade of devotion collapsed completely in that moment, leaving nothing but revulsion and resentment.

She wanted me back, wanted to come running to me, desperate to fix everything she'd messed up.

But right in front of her, blocking her path, was the guy she'd been obsessed with for years, Simon.