At the restaurant, I ordered our meal with confidence, raising my glass to Alexander. “To all these amazing dishes, and to you finding the perfect job here.”
The crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, soft violin music played – everything was just as elegant as before.
Two years ago, different.
I’d sworn never to return here. Yet somehow, sitting here now felt entirely
Maybe because this time, my heart wasn’t alone.
Alexander clinked his glass against mine, the warm lighting catching his refined features.
“We’re celebrating your homecoming tonight, but speaking of celebrations…”
“Sophie,” he said softly, “my parents are visiting next week. Would you like to meet them?”
1/3
Chapter 8
Looking into his hopeful eyes, I smiled. “I’d love to.”
+25 BONUS
After that conversation with Lucas, I blocked him on everything.
But that weekend, he still called me from an unknown number.
“My mother is sick. She keeps asking for you. Please come see her.”
Though my heart ached, I didn’t agree outright, keeping my answer vague.
After hanging up, I immediately took a taxi to the nursing home.
Aunt Larson was indeed very ill. Age had taken its toll, and she no longer recognized me.
I took off my ring, placed it in her hands, and said softly, “It’s Sophie. I’ve come to visit you.”
Though confused, she recognized the ring and chatted endlessly with me.
When Lucas came in and saw me, the joy in his eyes was unmistakable.
I stayed with Aunt Larson until evening, having just helped her fall asleep.
Alexander messaged that he was coming to pick me up.
I got up and walked out, ignoring Lucas.
He stopped me at the door, holding out the ring I’d left behind.
I’d forgotten – I’d given it to Aunt Larson earlier to comfort her.
Taking it back, I said a brief “Thanks.”
Lucas stepped closer, pain flashing in his eyes.
“You still keep our engagement ring, so why won’t you forgive me?”
My phone buzzed with Alexander’s arrival message, and I couldn’t hide my irritation.
“Lucas, this obsession needs to stop.
I thought this would make him step aside.
Instead, he pressed closer, his eyes red, “I don’t believe it. If you’d really forgotten me, you wouldn’t keep the ring. You’re just trying to punish me, aren’t you?”
I slapped him hard and pushed him away.
A thousand emotions crossed Lucas’s face – hurt, confusion, anxiety, regret.
I saw them all but still spoke firmly and clearly, “I keep it for Aunt Larson’s sake, not yours.
I’ll say it again, Lucas – we’re over.”
2/3
Chapter 8
“Do you understand?”
Lucas’s pupils suddenly contracted, looking past me.
He lunged forward, shouting, “Watch out!”
I turned reflexively, my eyes widening.
A woman burst out of the next room and violently shoved me down the stairs.
