Lucas and I had been together for ten years. We were supposed to get married five years ago, but after Holly Ruben appeared, our wedding date kept getting pushed back.
During these five years, I’d wanted to end this relationship countless times, only to regret it just as often.
But not this time.
From today onward, Lucas and I would have nothing to do with each other.
Walking out of the study, I was surprised to see Lucas still there – I thought he’d left.
He stood silently in the living room, as if waiting for me.
I walked past, trying to ignore him and leave.
But Lucas blocked my path, frowning. “Sophie, if this is about today, you’ve got it all wrong.”
I kept my head down as I listened to his self-righteous tone.
Was I really wrong?
This morning, he’d promised Holly he’d be her sole protector.
Last time, he’d used his influence to pressure everyone on behalf of Holly, taking away my opportunity to perform.
The time before that, he’d kissed Holly right in front of me just to win a game.
Were all of these misunderstandings?
For the first time, I didn’t respond to Lucas’s condescending attempt at reconciliation.
All these years, I’d always been the one to compromise, to make peace. During every argument, I’d come running back at his slightest gesture.
But never again.
We were done.
—
The next day at dance practice, I ran into Holly backstage.
She was chatting with the new junior dancers, her posture radiating elegance.
When Holly saw me passing by, she reached out to block my path, her expression challenging.
In the past, I would have followed Lucas’s wishes.
I would have yielded to her, politely said hello, or taken another route.
But now, I slapped her slender arm away.
Holly seemed shocked by my action. Wincing in pain, she pulled back her arm, then stormed over and shoved me hard, snapping, “Sophie, have you lost your mind? Do you know who you’re dealing with?”
I steadied myself, my expression calm. “I do.”
“The Larson family’s precious daughter, our dance company’s darling.”
Five years ago, Lucas had met Holly when she was visiting the orphanage where he was doing charity work.
Because his company needed good publicity at the time, Lucas had immediately adopted her as his sister and brought her home.
