Chapter 3
833words
"Let's go," I said with a wave.
Back home, Harvey watched with an ashen face as
I packed my things.
I took only a few clothes. Most of what we'd acquired over the years were his things. My belongings fit into a single suitcase.
I didn't ask for the house—everything connected to Harvey now disgusted me.
After moving into my new place, I dreamed of him night after night.
In my dreams, I was eighteen again. A classmate was confessing his feelings while I stood frozen, unsure how to respond. Then Harvey appeared, striding over confidently. He threw his arm around my shoulders and flashed a cocky smile. "Sorry, buddy. You're too late. She's taken."
The warm glow of young love washed over me, my heart racing against my ribs.
After the classmate left, I pushed Harvey away, my face burning. "What was that about?" I stammered.
He gripped my shoulders firmly, leaning down to meet my eyes with the most serious expression I'd ever seen. The sunset painted him in gold as he spoke. "Bella, I like you."
His eyes locked with mine. "Will you be with me?" Each word deliberate, sincere.
I froze.
Who wouldn't fall for Harvey Spencer?
Handsome, smart, and charming.
Standing there in the sunlight, white shirt glowing—he was the definition of first love.
After what felt like forever, I nodded shyly.
Against the purple-pink sunset, Harvey tilted my chin up and kissed me.
My face burned as sunlight caught his eyes, turning his amber irises into something magical.
I started having sleepless nights, one after another.
Waking at midnight, I'd torture myself wondering what Harvey and Lucia were doing.
Then I'd masochistically check Lucia's social media.
They went to Disneyland, kissing at the exact spot where we once took photos. Embracing in hotel rooms.
Riding roller coasters together.
They did all the things couples do—walking hand in hand, watching movies together.
Lucia wore my apron, cooking late-night noodles for Harvey.
Warm light bathed them in a cozy, peaceful glow.
I'd stare at their posts, numb, before finally blocking them both.
Night after night, I lay awake, torn between pain and self-doubt.
Was I really so inadequate that Harvey couldn't love me anymore?
A month passed before I realized how unhealthy my mindset had become.
I started exercising, waking early, sending out resumes. No one would save me—I had to save myself.
Fortunately, I hadn't been out of the workforce too long. My previous projects still looked impressive, and despite my absence, companies were eager to hire me.
My new job was demanding. I worked until midnight most days, dragging myself home only to collapse into bed fully clothed.
Harvey appeared less in my dreams, replaced by endless spreadsheets.
I saw Harvey again at a business gathering.
Beside him stood Lucia in a tight, low-cut backless gown, smiling sweetly as she clung to his arm.
I kept my face blank.
I'd expected crushing pain, but surprisingly felt nothing.
Lucia glanced around, caught my eye, then smiled and headed my way.
Harvey followed her gaze, his body stiffening when he saw me.
"Bella." Lucia approached me.
Gone was her cautious deference.
She held her wine glass casually, eyes gleaming with malice. "I should thank you for giving Harvey to me."
I smirked. "You're welcome to the trash."
"The settlement was generous enough."
Axel beside me burst into laughter. "Only you would rush to claim such a scumbag as your prize."
Lucia's face hardened as she glared at Axel. "Whatever. I won in the end. I'm the future Mrs. Spencer."
For the rest of the evening, Lucia worked the room, toasting everyone as if proving her worth.
"Brother, your little sister will finish this drink."
Lucia patted a man's shoulder. "Please take good care of our Harvey's business."
The CEO smiled thinly, clearly seeing an opportunity. "Of course, of course."
Lucia knocked back the strong liquor in one gulp.
Others watched her like a comedy show, mockery in their eyes despite their flattering words. "Bravo, Mrs. Spencer is truly impressive."
They glanced at Harvey with barely concealed glee. "Mr. Spencer is so fortunate."
Lucia grew increasingly smug.
Passing me, she couldn't resist a provocative glance.
Axel leaned close to my ear. "What's wrong with this woman?"
"You'd think we were at a frat party, not a business function."
Harvey's face had darkened beyond mere displeasure—it was thunderous.
Yet Lucia remained oblivious, fluttering to her next victim.
Harvey finally snapped, grabbing Lucia's arm. "Enough," he hissed.
Lucia protested defiantly. "What's your problem?"
"I'm only trying to help you."
Harvey's jaw clenched.
Her gaze darted between us. "What's wrong? Still hung up on your ex-wife?"
Harvey closed his eyes briefly, at his limit.
He released her arm and strode away.
Lucia panicked, jogging after him in her heels.
I smiled to myself. His "true love" wasn't so impressive after all—just a woman with more curves than sense.
