chapter one: The Heartbreak

Lily's POV…..

I looked at the graduation cap on my dresser, I was giddy with happiness, I had planned a perfect trip to celebrate my graduation and hoped Ryan my boyfriend of three years would finally propose to me.

I planned to take cute pictures with a diamond ring on my finger.

The girls at my dorm had even teased me that this would be the weekend.

The weekend when Ryan Hale, would finally get down on one knee.

I smiled just thinking about it as I zipped my luggage shut. The airline confirmation was in my inbox and the hotel reservation was under my name. The only thing missing was the proposal itself and I couldn’t wait

“Make sure you don’t cry when he does it,” Sophia , my best friend, said on FaceTime

I laughed

“Mascara tears are not cute.” She said smiling

“Shut up” I teased her

She glared at me and I sighed

“I won’t cry,” I promise. “Maybe a single tear, just one, perfectly timed for the photo.”

She flipped me off and I giggled ending the call to go to Ryan’s apartment but that was 8 hours ago

Now?

Now, I stood frozen in Ryan’s apartment doorway, my heart slamming so hard against my ribs I thought it might break through my chest.

Because Ryan wasn’t down on one knee. He wasn’t holding a velvet box or practicing some sweet speech.

He was In bed—our bed, the one we’d shared for the last three years—with someone else.

I heard the noises first The low groan, the breathless giggle, the moan that filled the room and the groan that definitely belonged to Ryan.

I walked to the bedroom and saw them. His bare back, her tanned legs wrapped around him, the sheets tangled at their waists.

For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. My brain tried to tell me this was a nightmare, some kind of sick hallucination brought on by nerves.

I took deep breaths then Ryan’s head lifted and his eyes met mine—wide,

The tears fell freely now

“Shit,” he whispered, pulling away from her so quickly she yelped. “Lily, wait, I can explain—”

The girl looked at me with wide fearful eyes, I rushed back downstairs packing my luggage I hadn't even unpacked.

He missed my graduation, I expected to come home to meet a small celebration before we took our flight, yet here we were.

“Lily” he said grabbing my hand

I pushed him away

“Really Ryan?__ you didn’t even come for my graduation, I booked us a trip to celebrate and I come home to this “ I said my heart burning

“It’s not what it looks like “

“I gave you three years of my life Ryan”

“I think you’re overreacting” he said trying to calm me down

I think that was the moment the tears should have come more but they didn’t. Instead, I laughed. A sharp, hollow sound that scared even me.

“overreacting?” My voice trembled, but I forced a smile that felt like glass cracking across my face.

“I come home to my boyfriend of three years fucking some girl in our home, I could hear the moans from downstairs and I’m overreacting?”

. This—” I gestured wildly, suitcase handle still clutched in my hand. “This is betrayal.”

Ryan stumbled back after seeing the look on my face,

“Baby, please, it wasn’t— I didn’t mean for you to—”

“Didn’t mean for me to what?” My throat burned. “Catch you? Or for it to happen at all?”

He opened his mouth, but I didn’t wait for the excuse. I turned on my heel, grabbing my suitcase and stomped out, my sneakers squeaking against the wooden floor as I walked away.

He called my name, but I slammed the door so hard the sound echoed down the hall.

By the time I hit the street, the air was sharp and cool against my face. I realized then I was still gripping my suitcase handle so tight my knuckles ached.

I should’ve gone home and crawled into bed, maybe called Chloe and cried into the phone until my voice went hoarse.

But instead, my phone buzzed in my pocket, the reminder for my upcoming flight flashing across the screen.

Check-in now for your trip to Seabreeze Resort.

My chest rose and fell in quick, shallow breaths. The logical thing would’ve been to cancel everything. Demand a refund and spend the weekend in pajamas, mourning my destroyed fairytale.

I wanted to go back and stab my phone In his eye

But logic had never been my strong suit.

Why should I give up the vacation I’d paid for? Why should I let Ryan’s betrayal steal the ocean sunsets and fruity cocktails I deserved?

My thumb hovered over the screen. Then, with a stubborn surge of defiance, I hit confirm check-in.

Fine, the relationship had failed and Ryan had failed me.

But I refused to waste my money—or my dignity—sobbing in my childhood bedroom.

I was going on this trip alone.

The flight was a blur, I kept my headphones in, the music loud enough to drown out my thoughts, though they pushed against the edges like waves against rocks.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Ryan’s face, pale and panicked, and the other girl’s wide eyes.

I couldn’t even call Sophia.

By the time the taxi pulled up in front of Seabreeze Resort, I was running on pure adrenaline and anger.

The building was even more beautiful than the pictures online—white stone, glass balconies, palm trees swaying in the coastal breeze. Inside, the lobby was beautiful with marble floors and soft gold lighting, making the place look breathtaking

“Reservation under Lily Hart,” I told the receptionist, sliding my ID across the counter.

She tapped at her keyboard, her smile bright. “Yes, of course. Room 1205, ocean view. You’re all set.”

Perfect, an ocean view and a fresh start.

Dragging my suitcase toward the elevator, I almost convinced myself this could be the reset I needed. Sun, sea, maybe a spa treatment or two. No Ryan, no drama, just me.

When the elevator doors opened onto the twelfth floor, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this was exactly what I needed. Maybe the universe had cut away the dead weight so I could start over.

I swiped my keycard, pushed open the door to Room 1205—

****