4

4

Amber

Two Weeks Later

What does bankruptcy even mean?

I only truly understood it when they came to seize our home. That’s when I realized—we were flat broke, and out on the streets.

Here’s exactly how things played out:

My father never told my brother Bruno about the bankruptcy. He didn’t ask him to drop out and come home either. Instead, he borrowed money from our aunts to keep covering his school expenses.

After Uncle Darian’s house was also seized, my father rented a small place. I decided to stay with them until I finished college.

As for Grace… despite the bankruptcy, she didn’t leave my father. Maybe I’ve been wrong about her. If she had married him just for his money, she would’ve walked out by now. But she went with him to Lubbock. Maybe… just maybe… she really does love him.

Lucas didn’t want me to leave, but my dad wouldn’t let me stay in New York alone. And honestly, maybe ending this relationship—putting some distance between us—was the best thing to do.

Maybe this was a sign.

⸻

Sitting across from Lucas in a quiet tea garden, I looked at him as he gently held my hand. I took a deep breath and began.

“Lucas… I’m leaving New York in a few days, and I don’t want to leave behind anything that ties me to this place. I think it’s best for both of us if we break up.”

“I love you, Amber… You’re overwhelmed because of your dad’s bankruptcy. You’re not thinking clearly. Let’s give it time. I’ll be here waiting for you, sweetheart.”

“I’m not coming back, Lucas.”

“Then I’ll come to you. My mom’s from Lubbock, remember? I’m not exactly a stranger there.”

“Let’s just give it time,” I said gently. “Once I’ve put my life back in order, we’ll talk.”

“Alright, babe. Just know—you can call me anytime. And when you’re ready, I’ll come visit you. Maybe I’ll even convince you to marry me…”

“I don’t know, Lucas. I’m just… so tired of everything. Right now, I need to stand on my own.”

“I have an uncle in Lubbock who’s an attorney. If you want, I can call him—maybe he could help set you up with an internship.”

“I’ll figure it out on my own. Don’t worry about me.”

“No, I insist. Let me at least do this for you. I’ll call him right now and arrange something.”

“…Alright. I won’t say no.”

Talking to him eased my nerves a little. I had no idea what I was going to do in a city I hadn’t seen in years. But if there was a familiar lawyer around, it would at least make things easier.

“My uncle’s name is Adrian Alder.”

“I hope he agrees.”

Lucas brushed my cheek softly.

“Of course he will. I’ll even have my dad call him personally. You’ll see—he’ll say yes. And one day, you and I will have our own law firm,” he smiled.

“Please don’t talk like that… I don’t want to give you false hope. I need time. After everything that’s happened, I just don’t feel excited about anything anymore.”

“I understand, Amber. I can be patient. I’ll wait for you.”

“I want us to stay friends, Lucas. You’re important to me.”

“You’re everything to me. And I’m not giving up on you—not now, not like this. Go on, Amber. We’ll see each other again soon.”

I couldn’t find the words to explain that this relationship was over.

I didn’t want to hurt him—he really was someone dear to me. More than anything, I didn’t want to lose his friendship just because we tried dating for a few months.

“Goodbye, Lucas.”

Two silent tears rolled down my cheeks.

Leaving Lucas… leaving the city I was born in…

Saying goodbye to my old life—and to the law school where I had spent nearly every day for years—was enough to break my heart.

Lucas pulled me into a tight embrace.

“I love you, Amber. Don’t forget me…” he whispered softly.

After slipping his card into my purse, I headed home.

Would I ever see him again?

Would he really wait for me, just like he said?

Maybe he was right.

If I ever find myself reaching out to him after all this… maybe that means I do love him.

But who knows?

By then, he might already be swept up by one of the girls constantly circling around him.

Right now, love is the least of my concerns.

I have a family to think about.