Chapter 3

Brianna yelped, scrambling to stand, knocking over a drink that soaked her dress.

I smirked at her mortified face:

"I thought you twisted your ankle?"

"Seemed pretty quick on your feet just now."

Derek froze, clearly shocked. It took him a second to process.

He frowned, checking Brianna over while snapping at me:

"Ava, have you lost your mind?!"

"What if Brianna had gotten hurt?"

"I knew something was wrong with you today! You're just jealous of Brianna's skills—trying to hurt her on purpose!"

I just stared at him, unimpressed.

"Jealous? Of an empty pretty face?"

"And..."

"And I quit. So save the attitude—I don’t care anymore."

Derek’s jaw tightened with anger, but I didn’t let him speak.

I turned and walked straight out of the office.

Before I knew it, I’d wandered to the street Derek and I used to frequent.

The shop owner recognized me immediately and pressed two iced drinks into my hands.

"Ava! Perfect timing—just pulled these from the freezer. On the house, beat the heat!"

Staring at the drinks, memories hit me like a truck.

Derek and I weren’t always like this—at each other’s throats.

Seven years ago, my startup crashed. I was broke, sweating through my clothes, standing outside this very shop.

Derek bought me that iced drink, wiped my forehead with his big hand, and told me not to quit.

We started dating, and he used his savings to launch our company—even fought his family for it.

No matter how hard it got, he never complained—just stayed by my side, pushing me forward.

To make him feel secure, I gave him majority shares. I was happy just being his partner.

I really thought we’d be happy forever.

Guess I underestimated how dangerous first loves can be.

Then he hired Brianna a few years back. I knew she was his first love, but I ignored it—figured it was harmless.

Turns out I was dead wrong.

Derek started playing favorites, icing me out. We fought constantly—all because of her.

I sighed, shaking my head.

I should’ve seen it coming—Derek never really got over Brianna.

He never made space in his heart for me.

Just as I was leaving, Derek’s voice boomed behind me.

"Big talk back there, huh Ava?"

"If you’re so tough, why’re you waiting here for me to apologize?"

I turned to find Derek and Brianna with the whole team in tow.

Brianna tugged his sleeve, putting on her sweet act:

"Derek, Ava must feel bad. She’s waiting to say sorry."

"Look—she even got your favorite drink!"

Derek hesitated, then sneered:

"Nice try with the drink, but it won’t work."

"I’m only cutting you slack because of Brianna..."

He reached for the drink, but I cut him off.

I frowned and tossed the drink straight into the trash.

"Please."

"Who said that was for you? Don’t flatter yourself."