Chapter 3

Outside, the others started grumbling. "It's just a joke, Trish. Since when can't you take a little teasing?"

"Bradley has been terrified of water since he was a kid. How could you joke about that?"

Patricia's voice dropped, struggling to keep her anger in check.

Someone replied casually, "Just think of it as another payback. Warren's back now. Don't you want to be with him already? After everything else you've done, what's one more?"

Those words sent Patricia over the edge. She kicked the table hard and snapped, "He just got out of surgery! What if you tear his wounds open?"

Warren's expression darkened the moment she finished speaking. He stared her down, then said quietly, "Patricia, it's only been four years. Did you really move on that fast?"

Without thinking, Patricia blurted, "No! I've only ever loved you. That's never going to change!"

The crowd burst into cheers and teasing laughter right away.

"Warren and Patricia were always supposed to be together. If Bradley hadn't gotten in the way, they would've been a thing years ago," one commented.

Another added, "He's got no shame! We need to teach him a lesson he won't forget! Make sure he knows what goes around comes around."

"Back then, he set Warren up for that car crash. Warren missed his chance at the art college audition after breaking his legs. If we really want justice, we should break his legs too!"

Everyone jumped in, one after the other.

However, Patricia's expression changed drastically. "No. Bradley's body can't take another hit like that."

All at once, silence enveloped the room.

A beat later, Warren spoke, his voice low and bitter. "Patricia, you told me the only reason you got together with him was to get revenge for what he did to me.

"I'm back now, so why are you still protecting him? You saw how badly injured I was back then. All I'm asking for is fairness. Why is that too much?"

Panic flickered across Patricia's face. Then, she quickly wrapped her arms around Warren and kissed him.

She held his gaze for a long moment before speaking, her voice hoarse. "Don't take it too far. I don't want to owe him anything."

My chest tightened as I listened to every word. To make Warren happy, Patricia was willing to sacrifice my life.

If that were the case, she couldn't blame me for getting even.

So, I pulled out my phone and sent my mom a text.

Once the discussion was over, the others left, talking and laughing among themselves.

Moments later, Patricia opened the bedroom door and sat down beside me. I was curled up under the sheets, pale and silent.

Maybe the sight made her feel something, because she leaned in to kiss me. But I pushed her away.

Her hands froze mid-air.

"Bradley, I'm sorry you had to go through all that today. I made a reservation for that restaurant you've always wanted to try. Be there at noon tomorrow, okay?" she said with a gentle smile.

My heart felt hollow, and I simply gave a quiet hum in reply.

…

The next morning, Patricia claimed she had a follow-up at the hospital and told me to head to the restaurant first.

As I took the keys from her, I asked quietly, "Patricia, if you had another chance, would you still choose me?"

A hint of reluctance flickered in her eyes. Even so, she smiled and ruffled my hair. "Don't overthink it. You've always been the one I loved and the only one I ever will."

I stared at her retreating figure, a faint smile tugging at my lips. That was the last chance I'd give her.

…

I walked into the garage, got in the car, and started it quietly.

Then, I drove out of the neighborhood and hit the highway, letting the GPS guide me. Cars on this stretch never went below 100 miles per hour.

Meanwhile, Patricia and her friends stood in a villa they had rented just for this. Binoculars in hand, they watched my car from a distance.

There was a sharp turn just before I reached my destination. The car should've slowed down, but instead, it picked up speed. The tires screeched against the road, the sound sharp and grating.

The hidden mic inside the car picked up my screams and relayed them live.

"What's happening? The car's out of control! Patricia, where are you? I'm scared! I don't want to die!"

Everyone in the villa was like predators closing in on prey, laughing as my panicked screams came through.

They watched as the car lost control and slammed into the guardrail. With a deafening crash, the frame crumpled. Then, everything went still.

Patricia was the first to start clapping. "As soon as he calls me, I'm telling him we're done."

Suddenly, something happened. Smoke billowed from the front of the car, then fire shot up without warning.

The car exploded right before their eyes, leaving nothing but wreckage behind.