Chapter 1

Charlotte’s pov.

A smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I adjusted the banner that read ‘Happy three years anniversary, Lucas!’

Three years. In a life as chaotic as mine, three years of stability felt like a miracle. Ever since my mother, Leora, vanished into the night months ago to escape her latest gambling debts, I had finally breathed. I had a budget, a tiny apartment that smelled like vanilla instead of stale liquor, a loyal best friend, and a boyfriend who loved and supported me.

I glanced at the clock. 3:30 PM. Lucas wouldn’t be home from his afternoon lectures for another two hours and since it was our anniversary, I had left my own art history seminar early, determined to cook his favorite chicken stew and set the perfect mood.

I looked around the room to make sure everything was perfect but then, I froze as my eyes settled on the spots the balloon weights were supposed to be.

I groaned out loud, pressing a hand to my forehead. I had left the customized base and the rest of the ribbons at my best friend, Sophie’s apartment when we were prepping the decorations the night before.

I reached for my phone, dialing Sophie's number. It rang out straight to voice mail after several calls, which increased my frustration.

"Perfect," I muttered, grabbing my keys and purse. Sophie’s place was only a five-minute walk and if I was fast enough, I would have everything ready, just like I had planned.

When I walked outside, I practically flew down the sidewalk, with my heart humming with a sweet and eager anticipation. Lucas had been so stressed lately which was also affecting our communication, but tonight was going to fix it all.

When I reached Sophie’s building, I didn't waste time. I had a spare key in my purse and knowing she was probably still in school, I decided to get it and leave.

I opened the door and stepped inside. I was about to search for what I came looking for but I froze.

A jacket was thrown carelessly across the kitchen counter and it looked too familiar. It was the one I had bought Lucas for his birthday last semester.

A cold prickle started at the base of my neck, creeping up my spine. My gaze dropped to the floor to see a pair of men’s sneakers which had underwear on top of them.

From the end of the short hallway, a muffled sound reached my ears and when I listened closely, it was a low gasp, followed by the familiar creak of Sophie’s mattress.

My breath caught in my throat as my mind began to race. I had no business with the guys she chose to be with, but that jacket was too familiar. Before I could stop myself, my legs moved on autopilot as I headed for her bedroom door.

The bedroom door wasn't fully closed and it was cracked open an inch.

All I had in mind was to take a peep and leave, but what I saw made my breath leave me. I saw the tangled sheets and not just that, I saw Lucas.

My boyfriend.

He was on top of Sophie, and beneath him, her fingers buried tightly in his brown hair as they were being intimate.

The gasp tore from my throat before I could stop it.

The movement on the bed stopped instantly and Lucas froze, with his head snapping toward the door. When his eyes locked onto mine through the crack, the color didn't even drain from his face.

Unable to believe my eyes, I opened the door and dared to walk in, while hoping it was some kind of misunderstanding.

"Charlotte," Lucas said in a calm tone as he pulled the sheet over himself leisurely, before sitting up as if I had merely interrupted a casual conversation.

Sophie sat up next to him, while pulling the duvet over her chest. She looked at me with annoyance, before rolling her eyes like I was the problem.

“What is going on here?” I asked in a voice that was barely stable.

"Charlotte, look, you weren't supposed to find out like this," Sophie said.

"Find out?" My voice cracked and tears burned hot and furious behind my eyes, blurring the sight of the two people I trusted most in the world. I turned to face Lucas. "We're supposed to be celebrating tonight, what the hell are you doing with my best friend?”

"Oh, please," Lucas groaned. "You really thought I was going to wait around forever while you play the broken little victim? Your mother ruined your family, Charlotte. You're always stressed, always working, always broke. I needed someone who actually knows how to have fun, but all you do is complain and make me miserable.”

My eyes widened as I looked at him in shock.

"So you took my best friend?" I asked, the betrayal ripping through my chest painfully. I looked at Sophie. "And you... you were with me last night! You helped me pick out the dress for our anniversary!”

"And it looks great on you, Char," Sophie said while leaning against the pillows without a shred of remorse. "But Lucas and I have been together for months and honestly, it’s a relief the secret is out. You’re exhausting to look after."

I felt the room tilt as I tried to breathe. They didn’t care about being caught and felt no remorse whatsoever.

"How could you?” I choked out, backing away from the bed as I pointed at both of them. By now, I couldn’t hold my tears anymore and let them roll down my cheeks.

"I suggest you leave, please," Sophie said. “I’ll talk to you later.”

I gasped and turned toward Lucas.

“So this is it?” I asked as my pain doubled. “You have been using me?”

"She asked you to leave so don't make this any harder than it needs to be," Lucas said, avoiding my eyes.

I didn’t waste a second longer before spinning around and making a run for the door and I didn't stop even after getting out of the house, and as I ran, hot tears rolled down my cheeks.