Chapter 2

Kylie looked like she’d been wronged. “I got soaked in the rain... so...”

“Come on, stop interrogating Kylie like she’s some kind of criminal.”

Sebastian stepped forward and pulled Kylie behind him.

“I just managed to calm her down. You have no idea—when I arrived at her place, she was crying her eyes out over a movie—”

“Come again?”

Melanie froze, a suffocating weight pressing down on her chest.

“You left me and my parents and rushed all the way to her house because she was crying over a movie?”

Sebastian paused. “Yes, but Melanie, you don’t understand...”

“Right, I don’t understand.”

Melanie nodded. “I don’t understand a single thing. You two are soulmates, best friends, nothing else! That explains why she’s in my pajamas embracing my boyfriend!”

She whipped her head toward Kylie. “Have you ever thought it might make you look like a side chick?”

The second the words left her mouth, tears welled up in Kylie’s eyes and spilled over.

“Enough, stop! Melanie, why would you say something so terrible? I only view Sebastian as a friend, a soulmate! Am I not even allowed to have a friend I can reach out to for help? Just because you two are dating, am I supposed to cut off all ties with him?

“Fine, I’ll leave! Sebastian, I’m never reaching out to you again. As of today, we’re done!”

She darted into the room to change back into her clothes, but Sebastian reached out and caught her by the arm.

“Don’t leave. It’s so late, and it’s pouring outside. Where could you possibly go?”

Kylie sniffled, her voice choked with tears. “Anywhere is fine. I don’t want to stay here and be called names. Just leave me alone. I don’t want to ruin your relationship. Our promise... let’s just forget it.”

“Hey, calm down. Let me handle this.”

Facing her, Sebastian’s voice now softened to a gentle murmur.

Yet when his gaze shifted back to Melanie, his tone turned ice-cold. “Melanie, apologize!”

“Apologize for what?”

“You called Kylie a side chick. Don’t you think you owe her an apology?”

Melanie stared back at him, her face set in stubborn defiance. “I said nothing wrong. I’m not apologizing.

“Sebastian, let’s break up.”

She turned to go back to her room, but Sebastian grabbed her wrist, his eyes devoid of any warmth.

“We’ll talk about that later. Right now, I need you to apologize.”

Her wrist ached sharply under his grip. Melanie bit her lip and asked, “What if I refuse?”

“Then get out. You’re making it worse for Kylie. What if she gets an episode and hurts herself? Can you live with that?”

Outside, the rain was still pouring, accompanied by rolling rumbles of thunder.

He knew she was terrified of thunder, and yet, he demanded she get out of the house.

They had been dating for five years and living together for three.

Melanie still recalled the day they moved in, when he typed the passcode into the lock.

“The code is your birthday. This will always be your home. Melanie, I love you, and I’ll love you for the rest of my life.”

“Say we get into some heated argument later on. Will you ever tell me to get out?”

“Of course not. If anyone’s getting out, it’ll be me.”

Tears streaked down her cheeks. Melanie nodded. “Fine. I’ll go.”

She walked into the bedroom, swiftly packed her belongings, then pulled her suitcase toward the door.

Just as she was about to close the door, she caught Kylie asking in a low voice, “Sebastian, aren’t you overreacting? Melanie’s gonna feel terrible.”

“It’s fine. She’ll be just fine. Your emotional state is what matters. How are you feeling right now?”

“A little uneasy. My chest feels tight.”

“Let me hold you a bit longer. Didn’t you say my hugs always calm you down?”

Melanie cast one last glance back. Seeing the two of them wrapped in each other’s arms, the last flicker of love was put out in her heart.

Once the door clicked shut, she pulled out her phone and called her boss.

“Mr. Ferguson, didn’t you mention an overseas assignment you wanted to send me on? I’ve made up my mind. I’ll take it.”

“Really? You’re not worried your boyfriend will miss you too much?”

“I broke up with him. I only have one request. I want my family to join me.”

“No problem. Get everything ready—you’ll head out in three days.”