afternoon.
If I had not had plans today, I probably would have slept until evening.
After freshening up, I met up with Emma Payne as planned at a new cafe that had just opened in Cruglow.
We were chatting happily when we suddenly heard Jake’s voice coming from behind me.
“Lily…”
Jake looked haggard. His eyes were bloodshot, and there was stubble on his chin.
At the next second, he knelt down on one knee and held out a small box in front of me.
“Lily, I’m sorry. I know I’ve done so many terrible things in the past, but from now on, I’ll become a better man. I promise. Please forgive me.”
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I stared at him in surprise. I never thought I would hear those words come out of his mouth.
Even so, I no longer cared for them!
I raised my right hand and showed off the ring to everyone. I coldly replied, “Sorry, but I have a boyfriend.”
Emma stepped in front of me and glared coldly at Jake.
“Jake, you didn’t appreciate her when you had the chance, and now you’re pulling this stunt after the breakup? Haven’t you heard that late affection is worth less than dirt?”
I gently tugged on Emma’s sleeve to signal her to tone it down a little. After all, the Stevens family was still a powerful name.
Jake’s expression darkened, but when he saw me looking at him, he forced a weak smile and spoke softly. “Lily, I know I made a lot of mistakes. But from now on, I will make it up to you. I want to be with you again. Let’s get married.”
I shook my head and calmly said, “Jake, it’s over between us. Please leave me alone.”
I could not deny it. I once loved him so much, so much that I compromised my pride for him and forgave him time and time again.
However, time had a way of taking everything away, just like it took away the version of Jake who once loved me.
Jake’s eyelashes trembled. He pursed his lips and stayed silent for a while. Then, he said, “Lily, are you really giving up on me?”
I nodded. Then, I walked out of the cafe with Emma.
The new company’s business was booming, but there were still some tasks that required my personal attention.
For several days in a row, I holed up in the study to handle business matters.
Zane seemed to be busy as well. We often found ourselves sitting across from each other at our respective desks, focused on our
own work.
However, with so many new responsibilities, I often felt overwhelmed.
One evening, while resting my head on the desk, lost in thought, I accidentally fell into a deep sleep.
When I woke up again, I found myself lying in bed.
Zane was holding me tightly by the waist. I turned over to hug him back. He leaned down to kiss me.
After the kiss, I panted and grabbed his hand.
“Zane, I’m tired.”
“Okay, I’ll be gentle.”
Zane only stayed for a little over a month before he had to leave to take care of business.
Before he left, he made sure to have his way with me in every corner of the room.
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By the time he left the next morning, I still had not gotten out of bed.
He was different from me. Even though he was only in his early twenties, he was already shouldering the full weight of his
family’s business.
His sharp instincts in the world of commerce are something I can hardly compare to.
With his help, my career had quickly reached new heights.
In fact, I even had enough to give Emma a stunning set of ruby jewelry at her wedding.
She was thrilled as she put the jewelry away and sincerely shared in my happiness.
“Lily, I can’t believe how amazing you are! I never thought you’d make so much money so quickly.”
I smiled and nodded as I adjusted her veil.
“Of course, I’m that amazing.”
Watching my best friend walk down the aisle, I felt a strange flutter in my heart.
So, when it came time to catch the bouquet, I was ready to give it my best shot, but Jake suddenly jumped up and snatched it. He
held it protectively in his arms.
One glance into his eyes told me he still had not given up.
‘Just as I was about to turn and leave, he blocked my path and dropped to one knee.
“Lily, I’ve learned my lesson now. Please marry me.”
The ring he held out was the same one he had custom–made when he first asked me to be his girlfriend.
The five–year–old design was long outdated. It was just like how I then felt about Jake.
I tried to walk away, but he would not let me. He desperately tried to place the ring on my finger. His eyes were filled with hope.
I had had enough. Without hesitation, I grabbed the ring and tossed it into the nearby fountain.
“Jake, we’re over. Stop following me around, will you?”
The color drained from Jake’s face as he frantically tried to beg me. “Lily, I’ve really learned my lesson now, I didn’t appreciate
you before, I was an idiot. But I’ve changed now, I can win you back. Please, please, just give me one more chance, Lily.”
“In your dreams!”
Zane’s mocking voice suddenly came through. Before I could react, I was pulled into his familiar embrace.
“Do you think you can win her back? I’ll make sure you’re nothing but ashes before that happens!”
