Chapter 3

"No." Lucy White felt a chill run through her as she took in Michael Johnson's impatient expression.

Again. Every time Lily Green was involved, he acted like this—as if she were the unreasonable one, while he and Lily were completely innocent.

Michael stood, looking down at her. "If you want this relationship to continue, behave yourself. Go to your room, think it over, and post that statement Richard told you to."

Lucy let out a cold laugh. "I did nothing wrong. I don’t need to reflect. And as for us..." She met his gaze squarely. "We're done."

Twenty years of growing up together—she had seen every side of him.

When she was bullied as a child, he was always the first to defend her. Even when his heart ached for her, he’d scowl and say, "You’re so clumsy. Next time, just hide behind me." Then, like magic, he’d pull her favorite candy from his pocket.

For him, she skipped grades, learned to cook, swallowed her temper, even entered the entertainment industry... And what did she get in return?

That phone call before she jumped to her death in her past life—Lily had answered it. In that moment, she realized how utterly foolish she had been.

"What did you say?" Michael’s expression darkened. "Lucy, don’t joke about breaking up!"

"I’m serious." Her voice was calm. "The person you are now... isn’t worth my love anymore."

Michael grabbed her wrist. "You don’t get to decide that alone! I don’t agree!"

Lucy pulled free with ease. "Your agreement isn’t required." She unclasped the necklace with the house key and set it on the coffee table. "Don’t contact me again."

As she turned toward her room, a loud crash echoed behind her—his phone smashing against the floor.

Richard Brown’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he feigned concern. "Michael, she’s just throwing a tantrum. Go talk to her—"

"No." Michael cut him off coldly. "Let her cool off."

The moment Richard left, he dialed Lily’s number. "They broke up."

"Really?" A light laugh came through the line. "She actually gave him up?"

"She was adamant this time." Richard smirked. "But even if she changes her mind, I’ll make sure she’s out for good."

Lily’s voice softened. "Then I’ll leave it to you, Richard. Oh, and that statement—"

"Don’t worry. If she won’t post it, someone else will."

Lucy packed quickly. Two suitcases held everything she owned.

At the door, Michael blocked her path. "This house was bought by my mother. You’re really leaving?"

"I’ll explain to Aunt Rachel myself." She didn’t look back as she pulled the door open.

"Lucy!" His voice was strained. "If you walk out now, don’t expect to come back!"

Her answer was the sharp click of the door shutting behind her.

Michael stood frozen, his chest hollow. But he stubbornly told himself this was just another one of her whims. Soon enough, she’d come crawling back to apologize.

Just like she always had before.