Chapter 1

1.

In the sixth year of my relationship with Liam Anderson, he planned a huge solo exhibition for me at a gallery in Seattle's Pioneer Square, where he was also going to propose.

All my friends said he was a rare catch and envied me for finding my soulmate.

But when the velvet curtains were simultaneously pulled back from the canvases, every single painting was a portrait of his childhood sweetheart, Chloe Vance.

Overnight, I, Summer Hayes, became the laughingstock of Seattle.

That same night, Chloe posted on her Instagram Stories:

"Someone once swore he'd only ever paint for me. ??"

The post was accompanied by a photo of Liam sketching her profile, his eyes filled with a soul-deep tenderness.

The old me would have broken down and caused a massive scene right then and there.

But this time, I just quietly slipped off the promise ring he gave me―the one that symbolized our future―and walked away.

...

I walked alone along the shore of Lake Union, the evening wind carrying a bone-chilling mist.

Liam’s call came quickly, his tone sharp and impatient.

"Summer, what's your problem now?"

"The paintings got mixed up, okay? Did you have to make such a big deal out of it?"

"You just walked out, in front of everyone. How am I supposed to explain this? What about Chloe?"

I said nothing, just listened.

Then I heard Chloe's signature soft, wounded voice in the background.

"Liam, don't be mad at her."

"I'm fine, really. It's my fault for upsetting Summer."

That one simple sentence instantly fanned the flames of Liam's anger.

He sounded like he was at his breaking point, hissing at me with a warning tone.

"Summer, I need you to come back. Now."

A self-mocking smile touched my lips.

He didn't want me back; he just didn't want Chloe to be embarrassed in front of his friends.

"Forget it, Liam. The engagement is off. Go comfort your precious Chloe. I'm done."

With that, I hung up.

I was done constantly considering his feelings, done feeling anxious every time he got angry.

When you're the only one trying for so long, you get tired.

A cold gust of wind hit me, making me shiver, but it also cleared my head.

Painting is my job, my life.

So when Liam decided to propose, he spent half a year learning to paint and booked an entire gallery, all to give me a surprise.

But who could have imagined that when the canvases were unveiled, they would all be of Chloe's face.

From every angle, with gentle brushstrokes, every line breathing with affection.

In that moment, countless eyes turned to me.

Pity, mockery, surprise, and gloating...

The most piercing look was Chloe's triumphant expression, and the way her eyes met Liam's, as if no one else was in the room.

I stood there, frozen.

The excitement I’d felt for this proposal was now matched only by the crushing weight of humiliation.

One second, I was anticipating my grand moment.

The next, reality slapped me hard across the face.

I stood there awkwardly for what felt like an eternity before Liam finally walked over and said dismissively:

"Sorry, everyone. Must have been a mix-up with the paintings."

I didn't know how little I mattered to Liam.

That he would use such a pathetic excuse to brush me off.

I should have known.

It was always like this, letting me down again and again.

I remember at his birthday party last month, everyone was teasing him, asking him to name the person he loved most in the room.

The answer should have been obvious.

I blushed and looked at him, my heart filled with a hopeful flutter.

But in the next second, Liam's gaze went past me and settled on Chloe in the corner.

The room fell silent.

My eyes burned with tears, and in the end, I had no choice but to flee.

Afterward, Liam bought me a teddy bear, and just like that, I was supposed to be fine.

But later, I saw on Chloe’s Instagram the Tiffany bracelet he’d given her.

The contrast was so stark.

Just like the difference between my place and Chloe's in his heart.

For six years, Liam had a habit of crushing my spirit while telling me he loved me.

And he never got tired of it.

He had me wrapped around his finger.

Normally, I would have fought with him.

But this time, it all just felt so pointless.

Maybe it was because the love was finally running out.