Chapter 3

Dawn came and I still couldn't sleep. I gently moved Ryan's hand off my waist.

Ryan cracked his eyes open, voice rough with sleep. "You're up already?"

I kept my eyes down. "Couldn't sleep." I slipped out of bed and went to freshen up.

After making breakfast, I ate slowly. An hour later, Ryan, fully dressed, sat down.

When he was almost done, I spoke. "Ryan, I want to break up."

He froze mid-wipe, his tone sharp with irritation. "Emily, seriously? You're starting drama this early?

"Is this because I met Soph?"

Soph. Sounded pretty cozy.

A bitter smile tugged at my lips as I looked up at him. "Ryan, I had a 103.1-degree fever and asked you to take me to the hospital, but you said I was dramatic. After I was discharged, you didn't even ask how I was. But you had time for dinner and drinks with her. Who's really your girlfriend?"

His face went blank, then regretful. "Emily, I'm sorry, I—"

"Ryan," I cut him off.

"I know you've always had feelings for her. You only dated me because you were upset with Sophie. I thought after all these years, you'd start to care about me.

"Turns out I overestimated myself."

I washed the dishes, grabbed my bag, and left.

Before I could get down the hallway, Ryan grabbed my wrist. He looked lost, his voice muffled. "Emily, I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to ignore you. Soph said—"

"Ryan," I cut him off again, holding his gaze. "Just let it go. Let's end this on good terms."

That evening, I came home to find Ryan on the couch. He jumped up with a big smile. "Emily, go wash up. I made all your favorites for dinner."

Like this morning never happened. Like the breakup never happened.

I gripped the doorknob, seeing his eager expression. Pressing my lips, I almost said something, but held back.

After washing up, I sat down. He'd decorated the table with red roses and dishes he'd cooked.

Ryan pulled out a small gift box. "Emily, I've been saving this. Our five-year anniversary is coming up."

Just as I was about to speak, his phone vibrated non-stop. I looked at him.

He glanced at the screen, checked my face, then hesitated. "Let me get this."

I nodded.

As soon as he answered, Sophie's trembling voice came through. "Ryan, I twisted my ankle. It hurts so much."

"I'll have someone take you to the hospital," Ryan replied gently.

"Ryan, I want you to take me," she pleaded softly.

Ryan looked torn, his brows knitting together.

I looked up at him. Our eyes locked for a few seconds before I asked coolly, "Is something wrong?"

"Soph twisted her ankle."

Hearing my voice, Sophie bit her lip, sounding pitiful. "Ryan, are you with Emily?"

"Yes," he replied.

Her voice went pouty. "I won't bother you then. I'll go by myself." A loud crash came through the line. Ryan's eyes twitched. "Soph, what was that? Are you okay?"

A pause, then a whimper. "I slipped and fell again. I'm fine, really."

Concern spread across his face. "Emily, please wait. I need to take Soph to the hospital. I'll be right back."

"Ryan," I said coldly. "If you walk out that door, we're over. For real."

He hesitated for a heartbeat. Then he left. Didn't even look back.

How many times had it come to this? Why did I still try? I smiled bitterly. I was kidding myself, thinking he'd ever choose me.

At the hospital, the doctor said it was just a sprain—nothing serious. She'd be fine in a few days.

Sophie put on her best pitiful face, feigning concern. "Ryan, will Emily be mad that you came?"

Ryan looked awkward for a second, then reassured her. "No, don't worry."

"Thanks for bringing me, Ryan." Sophie's eyes dropped, but triumph flickered in them. So what if we'd been together five years? As long as she turned back to him, he'd always be hers.

"Don't mention it. Get some rest. I'll come see you tomorrow," Ryan said, distracted.

Sophie tugged his sleeve and whispered, "Ryan, I don't want to be here alone."

Seeing those big, sad eyes, he couldn't say no. "Alright, I'll stay."

Ryan liked to think he didn't feel the same about Sophie anymore, but looking out for her was second nature. Besides, he figured I was just upset—he knew how much I cared about him.

After all, even when he'd been into Sophie before, I always stuck around. So in his mind, if he just apologized and sweet-talked me a bit, I'd forgive him.

Ryan acted fearless—he'd taken my devotion for granted for too long.

I sat at the dinner table for a long time. Eventually, I went to my room, grabbed my suitcase, and started packing. Past midnight, I took a cab to Chloe's place.

She was caught off guard. "Emily? What are you doing here?"

I smiled bitterly. "Congrats—you've got a roommate. I'll move out once I find a place."

She blinked, then smiled warmly. "Of course! Come in."

That night, Chloe and I stayed up talking. She vented about Ryan for me. Instead of feeling miserable, I felt strangely relieved.