Chapter 2
Since our families lived close, I’d usually have dinner at Lucas’s place before heading home
As I passed his house, his mom stood at the door, wearing her apron, smiling as usual)
When she saw I was alone, she looked surprised[]
“Why are you late today? Did you h
have to work overtime?”
“That company really needs to chill.”
“What’s so urgent it can’t wait till tomorrow?“]]
“Wait, where’s Lutas? Did something come up?“[]
1 tightened my coat
Forcing a smile, I replied like nothing was wrong. “There’s a new girl at work”
rk-
“He stayed behind to show her the ropes.”
“I’ll skip dinner tonight. My mom already cooked.”
“See you later, Mrs. Thompson”
I held back my tears and hurried across the street.
Mrs. Thompson called after me, sounding disappointed.
“I made your favorite roast chicken today”
“At least come over for a bite later!“]
But you can’t have it both ways.
Once you make a choice, there’s no going back.
It’s not like I was delusional!
We grew up together, practically childhood sweethearts
I’ve known Mrs. Thompson since I could remember.
She always adored me, often holding me in her arms and bragging to everyone
“Look at this beautiful girl. She’s practically family.”
“One day, she’ll marry my Lucas.“]
“My son just adores her!”
When I turned 18, plenty of guys at school were after me.[]
Wheh Mrs. Thompson found out, she was ready to buy an engagement ring on the spot.
Aber my family politely declined, she settled for a delicate gold necklace.
“It’s not much, but one day I’ll get you something bigger.“]
“Don’t overthink it, just wear it for fun.”
It was worth a few grand, so I couldn’t just accept it. I tried to refuse
But Lucas slipped it around my neck, grinning. [
“You look stunning. Right, future wifey?“||
Later, I repaid Mrs. Thompson with gifts of equal value, but the gesture stuck with me.]]
The sad part was, it seemed like I was the only one who took it seriously.]]]
The next morning. I didn’t go to his house to walk to work together like usual.]]
Instead, I left early and went straight to the office
My coworkers were surprised
“Where’s Lucas? Don’t you two always come in together?“]]
I stayed quiet, my eyes drifting
eto Lucas’s empty desk
A coworker smirked.
“Mon need a little cold shoulder now and then,”
“You’ve been spoiling him too much. He doesn’t appreciate you.“]]
She nudged her chin toward the door.
“Look, you barely ignored him for one morning, and he’s already showing up with flowers to apologize.”
1 turned to see him holding a few roses.]]
My heart fluttered a little.
Sure, what he did yesterday hurt, but if he was here to apologize.[
Maybe I could forgive him.
As long as he promised to keep his distance from Sophia.]
Right on cue, Sophia walked in, heels clicking, her perfume trailing behind her.||
She lit up when she saw him.]
“You actually got me roses?“[]
Lucas turned to her, nodding snugly.
“Of course. I keep my promises.”
“I woke up an hour early to get these from that place you mentioned.““]
“Since I skipped coming to work with Emily for you, don’t you owe me something in return?“]
He gave her a smirk, the kind with a not so subtle hint.)
My coworker froze
“Does he even realize what he’s doing?]
“Is my ship sinking because of some drama queen?”
I looked down.
Maybe the ship was never meant to sail
Sophia took the roses
They walked past me, side by side.]]
Neither of them glanced back
My coworker didn’t say another word.]]
