Chapter 2

Logan frowned.

But instead of calling out Raine, he looked at me.

"Olivia, bringing up the past won't change anything. Raine's young and impulsive. You should've been more careful."

I laughed.

By the time it stopped, my eyes were full of tears.

"Right. Of course." I nodded. "Everything's my fault. I was such an idiot.

"You're the real family. The three of you. Why would anyone care about me?"

I pointed at Raine. "So that's your choice, right? You choose her. Fine. We're done."

"Olivia Olsen!" Logan's voice dropped, already laced with impatience. "Have you had enough? Raine's young. You need to be more understanding—"

"Enough!" I snapped. "Stop talking!"

Everything I'd been holding back finally broke loose.

"She's young, so I have to put up with it. She's immature, so I have to understand her. I'm sick of hearing that!

"You know exactly what you feel for her. Don't hide behind the word brother.

"Logan, the wedding is off. And I'm done with you too."

I turned and walked away without looking back.

***

I went back to the apartment Logan and I had rented together and started packing.

This place held five years of my youth.

Five years of stupid dreams.

Now it was just a punchline.

Five years ago, Logan fell for me at first sight.

He stayed up with me when I worked late, took care of me when I got sick, treated me like I was priceless.

Then Raine turned eighteen two years ago.

Everything changed.

More and more of Logan went to her.

And Raine got bolder about making my life hell.

When I lay in a pool of blood after a miscarriage, she'd fake being sick and call Logan away.

When Logan and I were in bed, she'd burst in, say she missed him, and shove me out so she could take my place.

Every single time, Logan said the same thing. "Raine's still young. She doesn't know better. Be patient with her."

So I compromised.

Again and again.

I swallowed it.

Again and again.

And this was what I got.

What a joke.

After I finished packing, I rolled my suitcase to the door.

Logan blocked me.

His eyes flashed with blame.

"You're seriously moving out over a few childish things Raine said?"

I let out a cold laugh.

"Logan, she's twenty. If she's just a kid, how did she know which foods could trigger a miscarriage? If she's just a kid, how did she know to put that much herbal stuff in my tea to mess with my chances of getting pregnant?"

"That was a misunderstanding!" He defended her instantly. "Raine was only trying to help you get healthy. She's sweet. Innocent. She'd never do something that cruel for no reason. Stop accusing her!"

I looked at him.

My heart was already numb.

I didn't even want to fight anymore.

I walked around him and went downstairs.

This time, he didn't follow.

After I left, I checked into a cheap motel.

***

The next morning at work, I went straight to the vice president's office.

"Mr. Reed, I heard the company's expanding into Ebonport. I'd like to apply for a transfer."

He frowned. "Didn't you move to a lighter role so you could focus on having a baby with Logan? And applicants have to pass an exam."

"I'll take it. I changed roles, but I kept my skills sharp."

After I left his office, I ran into Logan on his way to get coffee.

He grabbed my arm. "Where were you last night? Why didn't you answer your phone? Do you know how worried I was when you were out there alone?"

I yanked free. "We broke up. Where I go isn't your business."

He rubbed his forehead. "Enough with the tantrum. We're adults. I already gave Raine a serious talk. The day after tomorrow, we'll go to the County Clerk's Office and get the license. Just us."