Chapter 0008

(Allison's POV)

"Who is he?" Scott asked, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"I don't see how that concerns you, Scott," I replied with a sharp tone, narrowing my eyes. Without waiting for his response, I turned and strode towards Stefan, who was eagerly waiting for me.

"How have you been, Allison?" Stefan asked, his smile still in place. I nodded in reply before asking.

"What brings you to California, Stefan?"

"I have a conference meeting to attend here," he explained casually.

"And you didn't think to inform me about it?" I asked, feigning annoyance. Stefan flashed a playful smile at me.

"I wanted to surprise you. Aren't you surprised to see me?" He asked, a teasing glint in his eyes.

I couldn’t help but smile. "Yes, I am."

"It’s been a while, Allison. I missed you," Stefan continued, ruffling my hair in a familiar, affectionate gesture. As he did so, I caught the tightness in Scott's expression. I noticed he tensed up as soon as Stefan made the gesture. The look on his face was a mix of anger and jealousy. It was hard to tell exactly what he was feeling, but before I could process it, he stormed toward us.

"Who the heck is he?" Scott demanded, his voice tense as though he had a claim on me—when he clearly did not.

"You don’t need to know him, Scott," I replied, my tone firm. "You said it was a coincidence that you passed this way, right? Then continue on your journey and leave me alone. Stop bothering me."

I could see Scott’s Adam’s apple move as he swallowed, his jaw clenching. "Bothering you? I’m not bothering you, Allie. I just want to know who he is." His angry glare shifted between Stefan and me. He had always been like this—jealous and possessive. Before our breakup six years ago, I couldn’t even talk to another man without him showing signs of anger. He didn’t jump to conclusions, but he made it clear that he didn’t like it. Back then, he has always wanted me to be his only, and in returned I never saw him with another woman—until he broke up with me and went to London with someone else. It was the first time I saw Scott with another woman.

"Who is he?" Scott asked again, his voice low, almost menacing. I could tell he was on the verge of losing control, but he had no right to be angry—not after what he had done to me. I didn’t know how to respond at first, but then I remembered the lie I’d told him: that I was engaged. This was the perfect moment to make it stick and push Scott out of my life for good, just as he had done to me before.

I grabbed Stefan's hand, surprising him a little. I took a deep breath, steadying myself before blurting out, "He’s my fiancé."

Stefan’s eyes widened in surprise. I could see it—he wasn’t expecting me to say that, especially after all the times he’d asked me out and I’d brushed him off, suggesting we just remain friends. Now, out of the blue, I declared him my fiancé. Scott didn’t notice Stefan’s shock, his focus solely on me after hearing the words leave my mouth.

"He’s your fiancé?" Scott repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"I told you I was engaged, didn’t I? Why are you still surprised to meet my fiancé?" I asked, my voice firm but my heart pounding, praying that Stefan would play along.

To my relief, Stefan wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I was startled but kept my composure. "Yes, I’m her fiancé. I’m Stefan, and you are?" he asked, smiling at Scott.

Scott’s response was a glare. His jaw was clenched, and he didn’t make a move to introduce himself. "Now that you've met my fiancé, stop showing up everywhere I go. We’re done, and you’ll always remain my ex," I said, my voice cold.

Scott’s gaze softened as his eyes fell on me. For a brief moment, I saw the hurt there, and I couldn’t help but shiver. His eyes were red, and for a second, I thought he might cry. I had seen him cry before—during my worst illness, when he thought he might lose me. I quickly looked away, not wanting to relive those old memories. I had built nothing but hatred for him after everything he did to me.

"Stefan is here now, and he’s going to take me home," I said, determined to leave with Stefan, but as I started to walk away, Scott grabbed my hand.

"I don’t care if he’s your fiancé, Allie. I don’t know him, so I can’t let you leave with him. I’ll take you home myself, just to make sure you’re safe," he said, his voice laced with control.

"Are you implying that I might endanger her?" Stefan chimed in, clearly annoyed by Scott’s words. I wasn’t pleased with Scott’s insinuation either. Stefan had always been a good friend to me. My happiness meant something to him, and he respected my space, never pressuring me into anything.

"Who knows? You might endanger her life," Scott snapped, his words sharp. "I don’t trust you."

"And you think I trust you?" I shot back, glaring at Scott.

"Allie…" he whispered my name, his voice breaking. "You really think I’d endanger your life?"

"I don’t know you anymore, Scott. Not after everything you did," I said, my voice steady. "I stopped knowing you the day you shattered my heart. Let go of me, now."

Scott reluctantly released my hand, his eyes full of something I couldn’t read.

"Allie, I’m sorry—"

"I don’t need your apologies, Scott," I interrupted, my voice cold as ice. "Your apologies won’t change anything. My life has been peaceful, but now it’s starting to turn into a nightmare because of you. Stay away from me!"

I turned and walked towards Stefan’s car, climbing into the passenger seat as he followed. He started the engine, and we drove off. As we drove away, I glanced back through the rearview mirror. Scott stood there, motionless, watching us leave. His face was full of pain, and for a moment, I felt a pang of guilt for treating him so harshly, but I quickly shook it off.

Scott deserved every bit of this, didn’t he? Or was there more to his actions than I realized? Did he have a reason for breaking up with me six years ago?