Chapter 1

I broke up with Caleb Miller the day before our wedding.

"Is this really because I went to her graduation instead of your birthday party?" Caleb asked, his voice dripping with disbelief.

I didn't want to explain myself anymore. I just gave a slow, silent nod.

"You're being ridiculous again," he sneered. "Fine. Do what you want. Just don't come crawling back to me in a few days, begging for a second chance."

He thought I was just throwing a tantrum.

Everyone knew I had spent fifteen years trailing after him like a lost puppy. They all thought I'd never actually leave.

But the truth was, I was exhausted.

I had already sold my house and processed my visa.

This time, I wasn't looking back.

1

When I finally forced the word "breakup" out of my mouth, Caleb didn't even bother to look up from his phone.

He let out a sharp, mocking laugh.

"Are you seriously doing this because I went to Ruby's graduation instead of your party?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but the words died in my throat.

Whatever I said now wouldn't matter anyway.

I simply nodded, keeping my expression blank.

Caleb's brow furrowed with impatience.

"Lucy, I don't have time for your little games. I'll let it slide this once, but don't let me hear that word again."

I gathered my courage and looked him straight in the eye.

"I'm serious this time, Caleb."

He stared at me coldly for a moment before he started laughing.

"Suit yourself. Just don't go crying to me when you realize how much you need me."

He had such a handsome, gentle face, but his words felt like jagged glass cutting into my heart.

I shook my head with a bitter smile.

"Don't worry. I'm done chasing you."

Just as a tear escaped my eye, the door swung open. A bright, cheerful voice filled the room.

"Caleb! I heard a new spicy fusion place opened on 5th Avenue. Do you have time to―"

Ruby Sinclair stopped mid-sentence when she saw me. Her eyes widened in faux surprise.

"Oh, Lucy! I didn't know you were here."

She noticed my red eyes and immediately pouted.

"Did Caleb upset you again? Tell me everything, and I'll give him a piece of my mind!"

She turned to him, putting on a show of sisterly concern.

"Caleb, really! You're getting married tomorrow. Can't you just be the bigger person for once?"

"She's the one being difficult," Caleb snapped. "She's older than you, yet she's half as mature. She wants to call off the wedding just because I missed her birthday dinner."

Ruby looked horrified as she turned back to me.

"Wait, it's about that? Lucy, that's totally on me. My friends have been dying to meet Caleb, and they wouldn't let him leave the party."

"If you're mad about that, I'm so sorry. Please don't take it out on my big brother!"

It was always like this.

Whenever we were all together, they stood as a united front. They made me feel like the intruder in my own relationship.

I was Caleb's fiancée, but Ruby, his so-called "foster sister," always came first.

When I didn't respond, Ruby grabbed my hand.

"Come on, Lucy. Let's go to that spicy place. Caleb will pay for everything to make it up to you."

"I heard you love spicy food. We can all have a great time together."

I pulled my hand away and spoke quietly.

"I have a chronic stomach condition. I can't eat spicy food."

She looked shocked, her hand flying to her mouth.

"Oh? But Caleb always eats it with me. I just assumed you liked it too."

I let out a soft laugh. Caleb actually hated spicy food too.

He only ate it because she loved it. He was willing to change his entire lifestyle just to accommodate her.

I didn't look at them again. I grabbed my bag and headed for the door.

"Don't mind her," I heard Caleb say behind me. "She loves playing the victim. She needs to learn a hard lesson this time."