Chapter 1

Serena and I had been tangled up for seven years, and whenever she called, I would cross half the city just to drink in her place.

Afterward, her best friend asked her, “Don’t you feel even a little bad for Logan?

Aren’t you afraid he’ll leave you?”

Serena sneered.

“He wouldn’t dare!

He’s spent seven years chasing after me like a lovesick fool, so he’ll never give up on me.”

I clenched my fists, turned around, and found someone else to marry.

At my wedding, Serena begged me to reconsider, but I smiled and told her,

“I can’t.

My wife said she’ll never give up on me for the rest of her life.”

I stayed with Serena for seven grueling years. In that relationship, all I ever did was give, endlessly and silently.

She bossed me around, mocked me to my face, and apologized afterward, only to repeat the exact same cycle the next day.

I couldn’t bring myself to let go. Every single time, I gritted my teeth and endured it, constantly reminding myself of the good moments we shared.

This time, Serena wanted to protect her first love from humiliation. With a single phone call, she dragged me across the entire city just to drink on his behalf and entertain his client.

"Logan, this client is a big deal. Please, help me out. Once the contract is signed, we'll finally have the money to get married."

I swallowed the burning pain in my stomach and downed glass after glass with the client, pushing myself right to the edge of passing out.

Right before everything went black, I heard a smooth, arrogant male voice.

"Serena, your boyfriend can seriously handle his liquor! Next time I have a situation like this, I’m definitely calling you!"

As my vision faded, I caught a glimpse of a familiar face. It was Christian—Serena’s untouchable, unforgettable ex.

When I woke up, the sterile smell of a hospital room hit me. I slowly opened my eyes and saw Serena standing by the door with her back turned, on a FaceTime call.

Her friend’s voice echoed through the speaker: "Don’t you feel bad for Logan at all? Aren't you terrified he’s going to walk away from you?!"

Serena sneered, completely dismissive.

"He wouldn't dare! He's been worshipping the ground I walk on for seven straight years. He’ll never leave me."

Lying in that hospital bed, tears silently blurred my vision.

Seven years. What I had treasured as a seven-year relationship was nothing more than pathetic, desperate groveling in her eyes.

I clenched my fists so hard my nails dug into my palms, burying my head beneath the thin blanket, my entire body trembling without making a sound.

Serena kept chatting. Unable to listen to another word, I let out a dry cough.

She hung up instantly. Turning around and catching my bloodshot eyes, she frowned. "What's wrong?"

"It hurts..."

My stomach was on fire, but my heart ached a million times worse.

Serena stepped closer, patted my head like I was an obedient dog, and said, "You did good. I’ll go grab you some food."

I watched her walk out. The moment she stepped into the hallway, I pushed the blanket aside and walked over to the window. Down below, I saw her smiling brighter than the sun at a man standing by the curb.

It was Christian. I wasn't seeing things. It was really him.

I rushed downstairs as fast as my weak legs could carry me.

From a distance, I saw Serena reach out, tenderly tucking a loose strand of hair behind his ear. Her eyes held a warmth and gentleness she had never once shown me.

Right then and there, I knew. I couldn't do this anymore.

I went straight back, signed my own discharge papers, and took an Uber to the private medical clinic owned by my best friend’s family.

After a thorough exam and some IV fluids, I pulled out my phone and sent Serena a text: Serena, let's break up.

She didn't text back right away. Hours passed. Finally, well past midnight, a cold reply popped up: Whatever. Suit yourself.

A couple of minutes later, she sent another message on SnapChat: What is your problem? Logan, are you really throwing another tantrum?

I saw the little bubble showing she was typing, but nothing came through. A bitter, humorless laugh escaped my lips.

Look at that, Serena. You didn't even notice I had already checked out of the hospital.

I blocked her immediately. The very next morning, I called my best friend to help me move out.

"Logan, are you dead serious this time? You’re really ending it?"

Leo asked me over and over, terrified I'd cave and crawl back like before. I looked him dead in the eye and nodded.

"It’s over. If I ever look back, I’m an absolute fool."

Reassured, Leo brought the movers up to the apartment. Serena wasn't home, which made it so much easier.

I packed up my things, stripping away every single item that held our shared memories.

Leo decided that wasn't enough. He grabbed a tube of red lipstick from the vanity and scrawled across the mirror in huge letters: Serena, I’m done with your bullshit!

I couldn't help but smile. He was right. I was done.

Before walking out the door for good, I took one last look at the apartment.

This was the third place we had rented together since graduating college. It had a great location and a sleek layout. Piece by piece, I had decorated it, turning a sterile space into a cozy, warm home.

I had poured so much of my heart into this place.

Now, I was walking away from all of it.